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Because of the street-level working man's theme of "Lucky Old Sun," I added this demo to this collection you're listening to now. It's an essential title in the Great American Songbook. Like another standard, "Ol' Man River," its lyrics contrast the toil and intense hardship of the singer's life with the obliviousness of the natural world. Yet he sees a silver lining and God's deliverance behind it all.

It was written in 1949 by big band musician Beasley Smith (who went on to work in Nashville) and prolific Tin Pan Alley lyricist Haven Gillespie--who also wrote "You Go To My Head" (another favorite of mine). The song took more presence in my life after hearing Brian Wilson's 2007 concept album based on this song. I'm always looking to add to my set list for when I perform in assisted living homes, and I added this one in 2020. My arrangement blends the definitive Frankie Laine arrangement with the soul of Louis Armstrong's (in 1949 they both released "competing versions"). I've grown quite fond of singing the song, and I've added a gospel flair.

credits

from STREET MUSIC (REMIXES & SPIN​-​OFFS), released February 23, 2017
JJB: acoustic guitar & vocal
Robert M. Powell: recording

Recorded in Ashland, Oregon

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Johnny J Blair "Singer at Large" image

Johnny J Blair "Singer at Large" San Francisco, California

"Johnny is a virtuoso"--Brian Wilson
"Pop music with a conscience.”--Goldmine
“the Harry Houdini of rock and roll.”-- Spotlight. Listen to Johnny's fast-paced mix of old school soul, psychedelia, punk/new wave, & classic pop/rock. Singer-songwriter in his own right, he was also a sideman for Davy Jones and The Monkees + performed with David Cassidy, Al Stewart, Buddy & Julie Miller, & others. ... more

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