Song of the Week: Big Bill Broonzy - Looking For My Baby

Listen - Big Bill Broonzy performs Looking For My Baby

Big Bill Broonzy was born in the late 1800s in Mississippi. He started recording in 1928 and didn't stop until his death (which usually stops most recordings by an artist) thirty years later. Big Bill Broonzy recorded such staples as I'm Gonna Move To The Outskirts of Town, CC Rider and, of course, his most famous song, Key To The Highway, but somehow he is not considered a luminary like Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf or Robert Johnson. It's not for lack of musicianship as his guitar skills were magnificent.

We listen today to his 1941 recording of his original song,  Looking For My Baby. Cool guitar refrains and menacing lyrics mark this warbly recording for Okeh Records. Enjoy. 

Video Diary: The Jayhawks - Two Hearts

The Jayhawks perform Two Hearts live.

Video Diary: Luther Dickinson - Keep Your Lamp Trimmed and Burning

Another standout from the Americana Music Festival. Luther Dickinson of the North Mississippi Allstars performs Keep Your Lamp Trimmed and Burning.

Video Diary: Sierra Hull - Chasin' Skies

Signed to a recording deal at 11 and performed at the Ryman at age 12 (or something like that). Now 18, Sierra Hull is a master of the mando. Sadly this video doesn't showcase her excellent voice, but I love her mandolin work on this. We saw her perform at the stalwart Station Inn, a place as diminutive as the headliner at the show.

Video Diary: Jessica Lea Mayfield - Kiss Me Again

More from Nashville's Americana Music Fest. Jessica Lea Mayfield performs Kiss Me Again. We loved the languid music, the sleepy eyed singer and the low-fi guitar that reminded us of the better works of bands like TV Personalities, Syd Barret and some Neko Case work. We were lucky enough to catch Jessica performing at the very excellent Mercy Lounge.