I came across an article recently that shed some light on the meaning behind Hoodoo, Voodoo, and the Black Cat Bone. Black Cat Bone has been sung about by great blues and New Orleans rock musicians like Junior Wells, Albert Collins, Dr. John and many more. The article came from Community Radio for North Colorado in an article written by Marc Applegate. I found the article interesting as it attempts to tackle the Voodoo in that many blues artists refer to in their music, and I especially enjoyed the videos supplied in the article as well. I’d like to share a bit of the article written about Albert Collins and his rendition of the song, “Black Cat Bone,” and I encourage you to check out the full article to learn a little more about the folk tradition and the musicians that involve the special bone in their music. I hope you enjoy it all as much as I did!
I’d like to share a little snippet from an article written about the infamous Black Cat Bone that so many blues songs refer to. Check out the full article at http://www.kunc.org/post/nine-oclock-blues-hoodoo-black-cat-bone.
Hoodoo is a distinctly American folk magic that developed from a wide variety of sources, traditions, practices and religions including African, Christian, Native American and European. Though the names are similar and certain ideas exist in each, Hoodoo should not be confused with Voodoo. Voodoo is more of a religion with a theology while Hoodoo is more of an art for influencing fortune, both for good and bad.
When Albert Collins says he believes his “…woman has a black cat bone” it’s because she has put a sort of hex on him.
[youtube_sc url=”http://youtu.be/BWaFT-ghBFA” width=”420″ rel=”0″]
I hope you enjoyed this little bit of information about the infamous Black Cat Bone that is referred to in so many classic blues songs. Stay tuned for more coming your way at Blues Guitar Unleashed.
Thanks,
Griff
7 replies to "Black Cat Bone: Hoodoo Lyrics And What It’s All About"
I’ve always loved Albert Collins’ guitar style and he must have had fingers as tough as nails the way he aggressively attacks that Tele. without a pick. And thanks for clearing up the meaning of “Black cat bone”
Can’t believe I was born in Witchita Falls
That Smokes. I love the way he uses silence.
Thanks!!!
awesome, griff. albert collins has always been one of my favorite blues players. such a unique style. very aggresive attack. love it!
I just love this type of music. This is like the “real” stuff that got me interested in blues music. Thanks for the background!
I could listen to this all night. Thanks.
wow she put a hex on him haha bad luck, sounds great , great one regards, pupx.