James was born fifty miles north of Jackson (not to be confused with another Richland just south of Jackson). He began playing as a teen, under the names "Cleanhead" and "Joe Willie James", alongside musicians such as the first Sonny Boy Williamson, Howlin' Wolf, and Robert Johnson. During World War II James joined the United States Navy and was stationed in Guam.
Upon his discharge James returned to central Mississippi and eventually settled in Canton. He began recording with Trumpet Records in nearby Jackson in January 1951, first as sideman to the second Sonny Boy Williamson and others, then debuting as a session leader in August with what became his signature song, "Dust My Broom". It was a surprise R&B hit in 1952 and turned James into a star. His "I Believe" was another hit a year later. During the 1950s he recorded for the Bihari Brothers' Flair and Modern labels, as well as for Chess Records. His backing musicians were known as the Broomdusters. In 1959 he began recording what are perhaps his best sides for Bobby Robinson's Fire Records label. These include "The Sky Is Crying" (credited to Elmo James and His Broomdusters), "Stranger Blues", "Look On Yonder Wall", "Done Somebody Wrong", and "Shake Your Moneymaker", all of which are among the most famous of blues recordings.
The slide guitar riff from "Dust My Broom" is one of the best-known openings in all of blues.
Elmore James died of his third heart attack in Chicago in 1963, already a major influence on guitarists such as The Rolling Stones' Brian Jones. His classic "Done Somebody Wrong" and "One Way Out" were often covered by The Allman Brothers Band, who cited James as a major influence. James was also covered by blues-rock band Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble many times in concert. The most famous of these covers is Vaughan's take on James's legendary recording, "The Sky Is Crying". James is mentioned in The Beatles' song "For You Blue". While John Lennon plays the slide guitar, James' trademark, George Harrison says "Go, Johnny, go ... Elmore James got nothin' on this, baby." Another famous guitarist who admired Elmore James was Jimi Hendrix. On a sleeve of the posthumously released Hendrix CD Blues, there is a photo of Hendrix wearing his famous military jacket and holding Elmore James's vinyl.
Strange Angels
Elmore James Lyrics
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me so confused, I don't know which way to go
Elmore James's song "Strange Angels" is a classic blues tune that tells the story of a man who is being mistreated by his lover who he refers to as "strange angels." The man is confused about why she treats him so mean and why she left without even saying goodbye. He expresses his desire to love her but is frustrated because he doesn't understand why she acts the way she does.
The lyrics are full of emotion and desperation as the man tries to make sense of his situation. He feels lost and unsure of how to move forward, as his love for this woman is clouded by her cold and distant behavior. The term "strange angels" is a clever metaphor for this woman who both attracts and repels the man, leaving him feeling confused and frustrated.
Overall, "Strange Angels" is a powerful and emotional blues song that captures the intense feelings of a man caught in a tumultuous relationship with a woman who is both intriguing and infuriating.
Contributed by Taylor S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Garry Willard
Classic blues track and one of my favourites from Elmore!!
raindogred
love elmores slide less tracks..he could play it all and wasn't just a one trick pony
Daniel Muñoz Alcaíno
bendecido blues!
Leonard Marshman
To me, the world's greatest Elmore fan, this is the ''dirtiest'' bass line there's ever been. Just naturally brings evil thoughts to my mind. Oh, my.
leo vermeiren
😎👍💚
CreosoteChris
A+++
HR Lincoln
"You're the meanest little girl that I've most ever seen"