The Things That I Used to Do

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The Things That I Used to Do by Guitar Slim

The Things That I Used to Do is a blues song written by Guitar Slim (aka Eddie Jones) and his 1953 recording of it in New Orleans, was arranged and produced by a young Ray Charles.[1] It was released on Specialty Records in 1954 to become a bestseller. It was one of the biggest sellers in the label's history and stayed on the rhythm and blues charts for 42 weeks.[2]

Since Guitar Slim was a blues artist, Specialy Record's Art Rupe figured that his appeal would be limited to the Southern rural audience. However, urban R&B stations in the North picked up the song, pushing it into a national hit. As a result, Guitar Slim became in great demand as a performer and played on the stage of the Apollo Theater.[2]

Contents

[edit] Song

Ray Charles's arrangement and piano accompaniment emphasizes the religious tone of intense but philosophical regret in the singer's voice, giving the song a gospel-influenced feel. Like Fats Domino, Guitar Slim's voice has a less adult sound than does that of the typical blues shouters of the time and his lyrics are less explicitly sexual.[3]

[edit] Legacy

The song was a huge success, greatly influencing rock and roll by demonstrating the commercial success of using content that appeals to white listeners and by the effectiveness of its gospel feel.[3] It has become a standard due to Guitar Slim's distinctive guitar figuring and the rising and falling melody.[4] It has been listed by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as one of the 500 songs that shaped rock and roll.[5]

The song has been covered by many artists, including those listed below.

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ Black History - Ray Charles. Retrieved on 2006-11-05.
  2. ^ a b Guitar Slim (Eddie Jones)©2002JCMarion. Retrieved on 2006-11-05.
  3. ^ a b Gillett, Charlie (1996). The Sound of the City: The Rise of Rock and Roll, (2nd Ed.), New York, N.Y.: Da Capo Press, p. 139-140, 170. ISBN 0-306-80683-5. 
  4. ^ Watrous, Peter (August 19 1990). A Young Blues Guitarist Intent on Modernization. New York Times. Retrieved on 2006-11-05.
  5. ^ 500 Songs That Shaped Rock. Retrieved on 2006-11-05.
  6. ^ Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble. Retrieved on 2006-11-05.
  7. ^ Sung by Elvin Bishop with the Grateful Dead on 8 June 1969. Retrieved on 2006-11-05.

[edit] External links


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