Re: [Harp-L] which came first?

[Mojo Red <harplicks@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hey Michael,

> Which was released first? Green Onions or Help
Me?

Pretty sure that "Green Onions" was first recorded
by Booker T & the MG's in 1962 on an album by the
same name. Sonny Boy II did "Help Me" as a single
for Chess in 1963 (with Bye Bye Bird on the flip
side). Maybe Tom Ball might has better info, but
that's how I figure it.

> Any vote on why Sonny Boy gets away with what
> seems to  be a major third over a minor blues?

He got away with it because it sounded good on that
song and there were no Music Theory Police to tell
him he shouldn't. He played Help Me in 2nd position
and could have made it more minor sounding, but I
guess he liked it better the way he played it. I
love the little chordal chucks he used. Great
stuff.

But I'll bet you dollars to dougnuts he didn't
ponder the rules very much or even imagine that he
was breaking them... he just played what sounded
good to him. 

Harpin' in Colorado,
--Ken M.

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