Catfish John
"Catfish John" is a song written by Bob McDill and Allen Reynolds first released on McDill's album Short Stories,[1] and subsequently recorded and released by American country music artist Johnny Russell.[2] It was released in November 1972 as the fourth single from the album, "Catfish John"/"Chained".[3] The song is credited with propelling Bob McDill into the front ranks of country songwriters.[3]
"Catfish John" | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Single by Johnny Russell | ||||
from the album Catfish John / Chained | ||||
B-side | "Promises of Your Love" | |||
Released | November 6, 1972 | |||
Genre | Country | |||
Length | 2:48 | |||
Label | RCA | |||
Songwriter(s) | Allen Reynolds Bob McDill | |||
Producer(s) | Jerry Bradley | |||
Johnny Russell singles chronology | ||||
|
The song has also been performed by Jerry Garcia (Jerry Garcia Band, Old & In the Way, Grateful Dead), as well as other musicians.[4] Toots Hibbert recorded the song on Fire on the Mountain: Reggae Celebrates the Grateful Dead (Pow Wow), a Grateful Dead tribute album.[5][6] It has also been performed and recorded by Alison Krauss and Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.
Content
The song is about story of a former slave which emphasizes difficulties of the everyday life at the time.[7]
Chart performance
Chart (1972–73) | Peak position |
---|---|
U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles[8] | 12 |
Canadian RPM Country Tracks | 3 |
References
- "Short Stories - Bob McDill". AllMusic. November 23, 2019. Retrieved November 23, 2019.
- "Johnny Russell Album Discography". AllMusic. November 23, 2019. Retrieved November 23, 2019.
- Edward Morris Songwriter Bob McDill Talks About His Many Hits Legendary Tunesmith Submits to Rare Interview at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum July 4, 2008 CMT News
- Robert MargolisTrey, Weir Honor Garcia Disciples and old friends honor late Dead frontman in Berkeley Sep 26, 2005 Rolling Stone
- Mike Joyce New Releases: Pop The Washington Post June 16, 1996
- FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN' CELEBRATES GRATEFUL DEAD MUSIC August 8, 1996, All Things Considered on NPR
- Randall, Alice; Carter Little; Courtney Little (2006). My Country Roots: The Ultimate MP3 Guide to America's Original Outsider Music. Thomas Nelson, Inc. pp. 92. ISBN 1-59555-860-8.
- Whitburn, Joel (2008). Hot Country Songs 1944 to 2008. Record Research, Inc. pp. 463–464. ISBN 0-89820-177-2.