SOD: Freddie King "Key to the Highway"

This song has been covered by many, but it's actually a blues standard first recorded in 1940 by Charlie Segar ("Key to the Highway" by Charlie Segar). Little Walter's version from 1958 has a bit more grit to it, and is in contention for my favorite version because of the brilliant ensemble who played on it. Little Walter's vocals are perfect, and his harp is deadly. He's got to be in the running for the best all time harmonica player, if he's not already considered The Best. Of course he's got Muddy Waters playing slide guitar with him, and Willie Dixon on Bass. But also on this recording is Luther Tucker on guitar, and the great Otis Spann on piano (drums are played by either George Hunter or Francis Clay - neither of which I can say I know). This version of the song was very popular in it's day, spending 14 weeks on the R&B charts ("Key to the Highway" by Little Walter).

Eric Clapton also recorded the song with Derek and the Dominos for their epic album, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs. This version lasts 9:46, and was essentially an unrehearsed jam between Duane Allman and Eric Clapton. Proof of this is in the fact that the song starts with a fade-in to them already playing. The recording was only made because Tom Dowd (producer) heard what was going on between the two musicians, and scrambled to get the engineers to record it. It's an amazing piece for those who love Clapton and Allman, and their brilliant blues guitar work together ("Key to the Highway" by Derek and the Dominoes). Clapton also played this song in two memorable performances with the Allman Brothers Band at the Beacon Theater in March 2009.

In addition to the above, the song has been recorded by John Lee Hooker (1959), Count Basie (1960), The Band (1968), Steve Miller Band (1968), Muddy Watters (1971), Freddie King (1977), and the Derek Trucks Band (2006), among many others.

The Freddie King version is in contention for my favorite with Little Walter's. I love the faster pace, and Freddies voice and guitar are just too perfect for this song. It feels as if it was written for him alone. The piano provided an exceptional accompaniment in this superbowl version as well, and the whole performance is simply stellar. Why don't we get these kinds of superbowl halftime shows anymore? If we had a show like that, I'd actually watch it! This performance would outshine the superbowl for me. I at least consider myself lucky to have the recording.