Elmore James » Tracks » Dust My Broom

Elmore James – Dust My Broom (2:47)

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About This Track

“Dust My Broom” is a blues standard originally recorded as “I Believe I’ll Dust My Broom” by Robert Johnson, the Mississippi Delta blues singer and guitarist, on November 23, 1936 in San Antonio, Texas. The song was originally released on 78 rpm format as Vocalion 03475, ARC 7-04-81 and Conqueror 8871. There is an ongoing dispute as to whether the song was originally written by Johnson or by his contemporary, bluesman Elmore James.

Elmore James made his first recording of “Dust My Broom” for the Trumpet Records label in 1951. James followed Robert Johnson’s melody quite closely. His lyrics are based on Johnson’s first four verses, but with Arthur Crudup’s changes to the verses about his ‘good gal’. This 1951recording has James on electric slide guitar, Sonny Boy Williamson II on harmonica, Leonard Ware on bass and Frock O’Dell on drums. Ware supplied the boogie beat, allowing James, with superior amplification, to dominate with a riff based on Johnson’s triplet figures.

The record became a surprise rhythm and blues hit in 1952, prompting James to exploit the melody and accompaniment with similar texts. Most of his subsequent records were released as by Elmore James & His Broomdusters. His releases included: “She just won’t do right (Going for good or Dust My Broom)” (1952) and “Dust My Blues” (1955). In 1959 he recorded the song again as “Dust My Broom” with his cousin Homesick James on second guitar. Homesick later recorded the song on an LP for Vanguard Records in 1965. Distinctive to all these records is the melody created from the riff on “Dust My Broom”
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  • Roy1968Wood

    I've lost count of the Rock guitarists who have played James' opening riff over the years. Jeremy Spencer may be the best I've heard but he was an avid devotee of Elmore James. Elmore...Gone way too soon. "I believe, I believe my time ain't long"

    18 days ago

  • gungh0

    This man is a genius.

    last month

  • xtwntraphq

    Absolute perfection !

    March 2012

  • harryhumboldt

    Now this IS the blues!

    March 2012

  • BlueLewHogue

    Dust that thang!

    March 2012

  • granpubah

    THIS is one of the true definitive blues tracks Period. and yes last.fm doesn't always get it right. This one is right!

    March 2012

  • breitheamhnaig

    just to reiterate, Last FM doesn,t always play the same track, sometimes it changes. When I was listening before it wasn't Elmore James, it is now.

    February 2012

  • bluesfiete

    kann man den Blues besser spielen ................?!

    February 2012

  • oldiesfanjohn

    great blues...every band should have this on their setlist

    January 2012

  • BlueOclock

    Like the song, like the music, love the way he sings the hell outta this song!

    January 2012

  • KeithJones

    One of the most awesome recordings ever! [2]

    December 2011

  • HouseThatShakes

    i feel this.

    December 2011

  • smee85

    do go on

    December 2011

  • Bluesdoktor

    Tremendous

    December 2011

  • robinbee

    aint gotta clue cuz elmo sanging this heah!!!

    December 2011

  • beaman87

    breitheamhnaig,either you are incredibly lacking in music knowledge or just dont have a clue when it comes to blues artists. it is Elmore James and it is Dust my Broom

    December 2011

  • Diechipmunk

    One of the most awesome recordings ever!

    November 2011

  • ducky70

    this is food for the soul !!!!!!!!!!!!!

    November 2011

  • oldiesfanjohn

    so many bands cut their teeth and did this song in their own style but Elmore did it first and in the traditional Blues style !!!

    November 2011

  • moses2201

    super blues

    November 2011
See all 207 shouts

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