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.
Kidney Stew Blues
Eddie 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
Old kidney stew, old kidney stew is fine
The lyrics to Eddie Vinson's "Kidney Stew Blues" tell a story of a man who is crazy about a high class woman but knows that he cannot afford her. He is forced to go back to his old girlfriend, Sue, who is not as fancy but satisfies him just as well. The reference to kidney stew being "fine" denotes the idea that he doesn't need extravagance to be happy or satisfied in his relationship. The man understands that money cannot bring him joy, and he prefers simple pleasures like food and love over material possessions.
Line by Line Meaning
Crazy about you baby, but I just ain't got the price
I really like you, but I don't have enough money to keep up with your expensive tastes.
You're a high class mama, so I guess it ain't no dice
You are a sophisticated woman, so I know I don't stand a chance with you.
Goin' back home, and get my old gal Sue
I'm leaving to go back to my hometown to be with my old girlfriend Sue.
She ain't the caviar kind, just plain old kidney stew
Sue is not interested in fancy or expensive things, she is content with simpler things like kidney stew.
Old kidney stew, old kidney stew is fine
I like kidney stew and I'm happy with what I have.
You can save your money, and keep your peace of mind
You can continue with your expensive tastes, but I am content with my simpler lifestyle and peace of mind.
Writer(s): Leona Blackman, Eddie Vinson
Contributed by Juliana M. 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 ?