JUKEBOX: Play That Swampy Music!

If I asked you to name music most commonly associated with the ’60s and ’70s, what would you list off? Probably psychedelic rock, folk music, blues rock, and given that last week was Beach Boys Week, you’d probably think of surf rock. But there’s another sect of music that seems to be forgotten, or at least overlooked: swamp music! The music that rolls you down the Mississippi River and takes you to an area that’s vastly different from anything you might be familiar with.

Defining this genre can be difficult, and by that I mean there are several different sub-genres of music that can be defined as swamp music. Dixieland, Delta blues, Southern rock, some psychedelic — all these elements can pop up in a discussion of this genre.  But to make things easier, I’m going to stick with music ranging from 1960 to 1979 that tries to capture the mood and feel of the bayou or the surrounding areas.

By the way, while many of the titles listed features words like “New Orleans,” “cajun,” and “Louisiana” in the title, that doesn’t mean I’ll include every song with those words in the title. If that was the only qualification, Randy Newman’s “Louisiana 1927” and Arlo Guthrie’s “City of New Orleans” would be here, and while those tunes are about the region, they don’t invoke the feel I’m looking for.

Let get going:

1) “Proud Mary,” Creedence Clearwater Revival (1969)

Of course I was going to feature a CCR song on this list. How could I not? I could honestly fill half this list with their songs, but I’ll stick with one. I went with this song instead of their more obvious “Born on the Bayou” because, to be honest, this is the song I prefer. I can vividly imagine this old steamboat as it makes its way down the river with the protagonist of the song standing on the deck looking out at the surrounding area. For the record: yes, Ike & Tina’s version is good, but this just meets my criteria more.

2) “Lover of the Bayou,” The Byrds (1970)

During the Clarence White-era, the Byrds decided to stick their toes into the swampy waters. With this song, you get this great rough-and-rugged feel that wasn’t heard all that often with the band. Also be sure to also check out the version done by Mudcrutch (Tom Petty’s original band).

3) “On the Road Again,” Canned Heat (1968)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QexOuH8GS-Y

It’s really hard for me to say why exactly I’m including this song, but I can’t help but think of the singer’s journey starting around New Orleans. Not sure if this falls into the line of swamp music, but I’m including it because it’s awesome. Sing on, “Blind Owl” Wilson.

4) “The Witch Queen of New Orleans,” Redbone (1971)

This is the song that ultimately inspired me to do not only make this compilation but also explore the genre. Chances are, you’ve heard of this band, and if you saw Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), you heard their awesome hit song “Come and Get Your Love.” This was their other huge hit and truly conveys the awesome imagery of a voodoo priestess’ home. I just adore this song, and to me, this needs to be a Halloween-rock party staple. Especially if you don’t want to hear “Monster Mash” again.

5) “The House of the Rising Sun,” The Animals (1964)

I couldn’t avoid this song. I can easily see this place of destitute and tragedy as the sun creeps up over the horizon on the swamp, and I can’t be the only one. Yes, I realize that the song was originally told through the point of view of a girl, but this song still works none the less.

6) “Cocaine,” J.J. Cale (1976)

Made famous by Eric Clapton in 1977, this one seems to fit the mold better of what I’m looking for. I can easily imagine the late guitarist out on a porch with an old guitar and amp jamming. You’ll dig this tune.

7) “My Home is in the Delta,” Muddy Waters (1964)

While Muddy is mostly associated with Chicago blues he never forgot his roots. On his album Folk Singer (1964), Waters returned to his Delta blues roots and, with his usual Muddy Waters charm, gave us this cool little number.

8) “Canal Street Blues,” John Lee Hooker (1960)

Yet another Chicago blues legend getting down with the Delta. This cover of the King Oliver-penned tune is a nice gem for this list.

9) “Goin’ Down to the River,” Mississippi Fred McDowell (1959)

Breaking my own rule a little bit with this, but I recently discovered this guy and I wanted to give him some exposure. His slide guitar work has such a great sound and should be admired, and of course it helps create that awesome down-south swampy feel.

10) “Such a Night,” Dr. John (1973)

Yet another obvious candidate for this list, this is the type of Dr. John that I enjoy. His magnificent piano work (especially during his performance in The Last Waltz) and easy-going feel helps you realize why he was chosen to sing the intro song of The Princess and the Frog (2009).

11) “Cabaret,” Louis Armstrong (1968)

I’ll finish this list by citing one of New Orleans’s most legendary musicians: ol’ Satchmo himself. Armstrong’s rendition of the famous musical number truly does encapsulate the feel of a local hotspot where you come in, get a drink, and have a good time. It’d be interesting to see a Cajun version of Cabaret. If it were made in the ’60s, I could see Armstrong playing the MC.

I know that this playlist only scratches the surface of the vast amounts of music from this region. I sadly didn’t include Zydeco music, a real staple of New Orleans. I don’t know what’s with me either. But hopefully this helps you explore this genre of music.

What are your favorite swamp/Delta tunes? Let us know in the comments!

John Hamilton

John Hamilton is a lover of classic cinema from Southern Ohio and has been since he was a tiny little lad growing up on the farm. He's a fan of every type of film out there, especially Westerns and movies from the '60s and '70s. John is also a blogger and freelance writer.