Lenoir's guitar-playing father introduced him to the music of Blind Lemon Jefferson, whose music became a major influence. During the early 1940s, Lenoir worked with blues artists Sonny Boy Williamson II and Elmore James in New Orleans. Lenoir would eventually find musical influence in Arthur Crudup and Lightnin' Hopkins.
In 1949, he moved to Chicago and Big Bill Broonzy helped introduce him to the local blues community. He began to perform at local nightclubs with musicians such as Memphis Minnie, Big Maceo Merriweather, and Muddy Waters, and became an important part of the city's blues scene. He began recording in 1951 the J.O.B. and Chess Records labels. His recording of "Korea Blues" was licensed to and released by Chess, as having been performed by 'J. B. and his Bayou Boys'. His band included pianist Sunnyland Slim, guitarist Leroy Foster, and drummer Alfred Wallace.
During the 1950s Lenoir recorded on various record labels in the Chicago area including J.O.B., Chess, Parrot, and Checker. His more successful songs included "Let's Roll", "The Mojo" featuring saxophonist J. T. Brown, and the controversial "Eisenhower Blues" which his record company, Parrot, forced him to re-record as "Tax Paying Blues."
Lenoir was known in the 1950s for his showmanship - in particular his zebra-patterned costumes - and his high-pitched vocals. He became an influential electric guitarist and songwriter, and his penchant for social commentary distinguished him from many other bluesmen of the time. His most commercially successful and enduring release was "Mamma Talk To Your Daughter", recorded for Parrot in 1954 which reached #11 on the Billboard R&B chart and was later recorded by many other blues and rock musicians. In the later 1950s (recording on the Checker label), he wrote several more blues standards including; "Don't Dog Your Woman", and "Don't Touch My Head!!!" (1956).
In 1963, Lenoir recorded for USA Records as 'J. B. Lenoir and his African Hunch Rhythm', developing an interest in African percussion. However, he struggled to work as a professional musician and for a time took menial jobs, including working in the kitchen at the University of Illinois in Champaign. Lenoir was rediscovered by Willie Dixon, who recorded him with drummer Fred Below on the albums Alabama Blues and Down In Mississippi (inspired by the Civil Rights and Free Speech movements). Lenoir toured Europe, and performed in 1965 with the American Folk Blues Festival in the United Kingdom.
Lenoir's work had direct political content relating to racism and the Vietnam War.
"Alabama Blues"
“I never will go back to Alabama, that is not the place for me,
I never will go back to Alabama, that is not the place for me,
You know they killed my sister and my brother,
And the whole world let them peoples go down there free.”
He died on April 29, 1967 in Urbana, Illinois, aged 38, from a heart attack related to injuries he suffered in a car accident three weeks earlier.
His death was lamented by John Mayall in the songs, "I'm Gonna Fight for You, J.B." and "Death of J. B. Lenoir".
The 2003 documentary film The Soul of a Man, directed by Wim Wenders as the second instalment of Martin Scorsese's series The Blues, explored Lenoir's career, together with those of Skip James and Blind Willie Johnson.
In 2011, Lenoir was inducted to the Blues Hall of Fame.
Although his name is sometimes mispronounced like the French "lan WAH", Lenoir himself pronounced his name a "la NOR". The initials "J.B." had no specific meaning; his given name was simply "J.B."
The Road Home
J.B. Lenoir Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
On this road, Take me home
Here I go, as I walk, all alone
On this road, Take me home
Here I go, as I walk, all alone
On this road, Take me home
Here I go, as I walk, all alone
On this road, Take me home
Said to me I got plenty things to show you
Houses on the hills, and an engine that wont bore you
You hate yourself,it don't matter I adore you
Take the red pill and don't let no-one control you
I see a spark in your eye
Let me fuel the flame
Let me put you on that stage
Let the people know name
Life is all a game
Win or lose its all the same
So if stay inside the frame
Only got yourself to blame
You can sink, or swim
Or you can let me give you wings
I can give you diamond rings, all the joy that money brings
I can smell your insecure, i can rid your self doubt
If you take my lead
I can show you how to walk it out
Been there from the start, there's no need for second thoughts (Nah)
Peasants turn to kings, see I've seen it all before (Yah)
You can have a crib on an island like Meyorka
You just name your price, I can go and get it for ya
Here I go, as I walk, all alone
On this road, Take me home Here I go, as I walk, all alone
On this road, Take me home
Here I go, as I walk, all alone
And I said that I am who I am, no apologies
Couldn't cut the corners, for my people making quality
Student of the game, just as Plato was to Socrates
Walk this road alone, this is something like an Odessy
Should I die before I wake, let me do it with a smile
But before they throw the stones can I have a trial?
Put them in my shoes, would they even reach a mile?
I got blisters on my feet, hope the pain was worth the while
Just a wanderer, always looking for a home
Niggas claim they king
What's a king without a crown or throne
With a spotless mind they can try but they won't change ya
Coming out the ground, talking crazy like they made ya
Still I walk, chase the light, with no G.P.S
I can see it shining bright like a V.V.S
Give me something good, keep me higher than a V.I.S
Dancing to my drums, I can tell you what the B.P.S
In the opening verses of "The Road Home" by J.B. Lenoir, the repetition of the lines "Here I go, as I walk, all alone / On this road, Take me home" sets the introspective and reflective tone of the song. The singer is on a journey, physically and metaphorically, seeking a sense of belonging and a place of comfort. The desire to be taken home can symbolize the yearning for a place of emotional security or a state of inner peace amidst the uncertainties and challenges of life's path.
As the lyrics progress, the narrative shifts to a conversation or temptation presented to the singer. The offer of material wealth and power is presented as a solution to feelings of self-hatred and insecurity. The reference to taking the "red pill" and not letting anyone control you suggests a choice between conformity and true individuality. The promise of fame, fortune, and validation from others is enticing, but there is also a warning against losing oneself in the pursuit of external validation.
The verses that follow delve deeper into themes of self-acceptance, resilience, and authenticity. The singer asserts their identity and values, rejecting the idea of compromising their integrity for success. The mention of being a "student of the game" and walking a road akin to an "Odyssey" alludes to a journey of self-discovery, growth, and hardship. The references to Plato, Socrates, and the metaphor of walking with blisters on their feet speak to the struggles and sacrifices made in pursuit of personal truth and excellence.
Overall, "The Road Home" can be interpreted as a poignant reflection on the complexities of self-discovery, the allure of external validation versus inner fulfillment, and the courage required to stay true to oneself in the face of societal pressures. The repeated plea to be taken home reflects a universal longing for a place of belonging and authenticity, ultimately reminding listeners to navigate life's challenges with integrity, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to one's true self.
Line by Line Meaning
Said to me I got plenty things to show you
An offer of new experiences and opportunities
Houses on the hills, and an engine that wont bore you
Promising a luxurious lifestyle and exciting adventures
You hate yourself,it don't matter I adore you
Offering unconditional love and acceptance
Take the red pill and don't let no-one control you
Encouragement to break free from outside influence
I see a spark in your eye
Recognizing potential and passion within someone
Let me fuel the flame
Offering support and inspiration to help someone realize their potential
Let me put you on that stage
Providing a platform for success and recognition
Let the people know name
Assisting in building a reputation and gaining recognition
Life is all a game
Viewing life as a series of challenges and opportunities
Win or lose its all the same
Encouraging resilience and perseverance regardless of outcomes
So if stay inside the frame
Warning against complacency and conformity
Only got yourself to blame
Holding oneself accountable for choices and actions
You can sink, or swim
Presenting a choice between failure and success
Or you can let me give you wings
Offering support and guidance to achieve success
I can give you diamond rings, all the joy that money brings
Promising wealth and happiness in exchange for cooperation
I can smell your insecure, i can rid your self doubt
Offering to help overcome personal insecurities and doubts
If you take my lead
Inviting someone to follow and trust in leadership
I can show you how to walk it out
Offering guidance and assistance in navigating challenges
Been there from the start, there's no need for second thoughts (Nah)
Establishing trust and reliability
Peasants turn to kings, see I've seen it all before (Yah)
Promising transformation from humble beginnings to greatness
You can have a crib on an island like Meyorka
Offering luxurious accommodations and exotic locations
You just name your price, I can go and get it for ya
Assuring the ability to provide whatever is desired
And I said that I am who I am, no apologies
Embracing authenticity and self-acceptance
Couldn't cut the corners, for my people making quality
Prioritizing integrity and excellence in one's work
Student of the game, just as Plato was to Socrates
Emphasizing a commitment to learning and growth
Walk this road alone, this is something like an Odessy
Acknowledging the journey of life as a challenging and epic adventure
Should I die before I wake, let me do it with a smile
Accepting the inevitability of death with grace and positivity
But before they throw the stones can I have a trial?
Requesting a fair judgment before facing criticism or punishment
Put them in my shoes, would they even reach a mile?
Challenging others to understand and empathize with one's experiences
I got blisters on my feet, hope the pain was worth the while
Acknowledging the challenges faced along the journey and hoping it was worthwhile
Just a wanderer, always looking for a home
Describing oneself as a searcher for belonging and purpose
Niggas claim they king
Questioning the legitimacy of those who boast about their power
What's a king without a crown or throne
Reflecting on the true meaning and significance of royalty
With a spotless mind they can try but they won't change ya
Confident in one's own values and identity despite external pressures
Coming out the ground, talking crazy like they made ya
Observing others who act as if they hold power or influence over someone
Still I walk, chase the light, with no G.P.S
Persisting in a journey towards enlightenment and guidance
I can see it shining bright like a V.V.S
Recognizing the clarity and brightness of the path ahead
Give me something good, keep me higher than a V.I.S
Seeking positive experiences that elevate and inspire
Dancing to my drums, I can tell you what the B.P.S
Expressing joy and confidence in personal rhythm and flow
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Joseph-Joshua Mhindurwa
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@oscarlebassiste3530
JB was one of the best blues players!
@gedsoft3793
Priceless. Thanks.
@bluesrecords
Love JB's music glad I found this - This was not included on the Martin Scorsese Presents the Blues, video Soul of a Man by Wim Wenders;
@mmandmm9
This is a Willie Dixon song that was also recorded by Koko Taylor on a great Chess Records 45. The flip side was "Tell The Truth". Both were two of koko's best recordings. Happy Birthday JB...a couple days from today!
@johntrawolta9577
Thanks dude !
@allen6924
These are just soooooo great to see posted here on youtube
@tubevisuals
This is a real Gem
@checker764
Fantastic!
@guitardan102938
This is great! Touching lyrics - which deserve to be translated into many languages not just Swedish.
@gamoonbat
Rock on, Ronnog!