After working in the Milton Larkins and Cootie Williams orchestras, he established his own big band in 1945. In 1947 he had a major rhythm and blues hit with "Old Maid Boogie/Kidney Stew Blues".
Vinson recorded both jazz and rhythm and blues. He wrote "Tune Up" and "Four" for Miles Davis, as well as the classic blues numbers "Somebody Done Stole My Cherry Red," "Person to Person," and "They Call Me Mr. Cleanhead." In live performance he would alternate blues numbers with jazz numbers like Thelonious Monk's "Straight No Chaser." Even in his blues numbers, his saxophone style has a distinctly modern bebop sound.
He acquired his nickname after a hair-straightening mishap left him bald.
ADDITIONALLY:
Vinson was born in Houston, Texas. He was a member of the horn section in Milton Larkin's orchestra, which he joined in the late 1930s. At various times, he sat next to Arnett Cobb, Illinois Jacquet, and Tom Archia, while other members of the band included Cedric Haywood and Wild Bill Davis. After exiting Larkin's employment in 1941, Vinson picked up a few vocal tricks while on tour with bluesman Big Bill Broonzy. He then moved to New York and joined the Cootie Williams Orchestra from 1942 to 1945, recording such tunes as "Cherry Red". Vinson struck out on his own in 1945, forming his own large band, signing with Mercury Records, and enjoying a double-sided hit in 1947 with his R&B chart-topper "Old Maid Boogie", and the song that would prove to be his signature number, "Kidney Stew Blues".
Vinson's jazz leanings were probably heightened during 1952-1953, when his band included a young John Coltrane. In the late 1960s, touring in a strict jazz capacity with Jay McShann, Vinson's career took an upswing. In the early 1960s Vinson moved to Los Angeles and began working with the Johnny Otis Revue. A 1970 appearance at the Monterey Jazz Festival with Otis spurred a bit of a comeback for Vinson. Throughout the 1970s he worked high-profile blues and jazz sessions for Count Basie, Otis, Roomful of Blues, Arnett Cobb, and Buddy Tate. He also composed steadily, including "Tune Up" and "Four", both of which have been incorrectly attributed to Miles Davis. Vinson recorded extensively during his fifty-odd year career and performed regularly in Europe and the U.S.
He died in 1988, from a heart attack whilst undergoing chemotherapy,[5] in Los Angeles, California.
Kidney Stew Blues
Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Crazy about you baby, but I just ain't got the price
You're a high class mama, so I guess it ain't no dice
Goin' back home, and get my old gal Sue
Goin' back home, and get my old gal Sue
She ain't the caviar kind, just plain old kidney stew
Old kidney stew, old kidney stew is fine
You can save your money, and keep your peace of mind
The lyrics of "Kidney Stew Blues" by Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson depict the story of a man who is in love with a high-class woman but can't afford to keep up with her lifestyle. He expresses his affection for her, but acknowledges that she is out of his league. The singer decides to go back home and be with his old girlfriend named Sue. He prefers the simplicity of his old flame who doesn't enjoy luxurious things like caviar, but just plain old kidney stew is enough for her. The chorus emphasizes this point, saying that he'll save money and keep his peace of mind by being with her.
The song is about the struggles of societal class differences and the pressures to conform to societal expectations. The man can't afford to keep up with the woman's lifestyle and feels defeated because he can't live up to those standards. The song suggests that simplicity and contentment can bring more happiness than trying to meet the standards of class and money.
Line by Line Meaning
Crazy about you baby, but I just ain't got the price
I have strong feelings for you, but I cannot afford to keep you happy
You're a high class mama, so I guess it ain't no dice
You have expensive tastes, so I know it won't work out between us
Goin' back home, and get my old gal Sue
I'm leaving to return to my previous lover Sue
She ain't the caviar kind, just plain old kidney stew
Sue is not someone who has expensive tastes, but rather someone who is content with simple things like kidney stew
Old kidney stew, old kidney stew is fine
I am satisfied with having just kidney stew, and do not desire anything more
You can save your money, and keep your peace of mind
You can continue to pursue your expensive tastes, while I will be content with my simple lifestyle
Contributed by Caleb I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
slowpenguin1
Love to hear this man sing.
MoonDaddyBand
Absolutely Love this one!
larrybeetree
cats were always having fun playing. Saw them at Ann Arbor Blues Festival around 1970. Hell they are probably still playing and having fun entertaining folks.
Sue Crayton
Wow! This is great!
Ian Ren
Awesome.
Chantal Gelina
Wicked!!!
Matías Blacud
From the 1977 "Great Rhythm & Blues Oldies Volume 11" album
Siegfried Klein
That is what I like,,,
Arnie Tracey
Boss.
Nouha
sounds more like jazz no ?