T-Bone Walker – T Bone Shuffle

I’ve heard his name most of my life but never heard him. I’ve really enjoyed what I’ve been hearing going over his catalog. T-Bone Walker singing T-Bone Shuffle is so smooth. He has a blues and jazz thing going on and it’s hard to beat. It was released in 1949. He wrote the song and it’s been covered 42 times by The Robert Cray Band to Jools Holland.

T-Bone Walker (Aaron Thibeaux Walker) in Linden, Texas, Walker grew up in a musical family and began performing in his teens. He was influenced by Blind Lemon Jefferson, whom he often played with. Walker’s parents were musical and encouraged him to play. He could play several instruments including guitar, piano, and banjo.

In 1929, Walker made his recording debut under the name “Oak Cliff T-Bone,” recording Wichita Falls Blues and Trinity River Blues. He is credited with being one of the first musicians to use the electric guitar as a lead instrument. His 1942 recording of Mean Old World featured his pioneering electric guitar work.

1971, he won a Grammy Award for Best Ethnic or Traditional Recording for his album Good Feelin’. He was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1980 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. He passed away in 1975 following a stroke.

I added a bonus pick today…Two Bones and a Pick was recorded in 1955 and released as part of the T-Bone Blues album in 1959.

T-Bone Shuffle

Let your hair down babyLet’s have a natural ballLet your hair down babyLet’s have a natural ballCause when you’re not happyIt ain’t no fun at all

You can’t take it with youThat’s one thing for sureYou can’t take it with you babyThat’s one thing for sureThere’s nothing wrong with ya babyThat a good T-Bone shuffle can’t cure

Have fun while ya canFate’s an awful thingHave fun while ya canFate’s an awful thingYou can’t tell what might happenThat’s why I love to sing

…

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Author: Badfinger (Max)

Power Pop fan, Baseball, Beatles, Alternative music, old movies, and tv show fan. Also anything to do with pop culture in the 60s and 70s... I'm also a songwriter, bass and guitar player. Not the slightest bit interested in politics at all.

20 thoughts on “T-Bone Walker – T Bone Shuffle”

  1. Always nice to read a post on T- Bone, truly an unrated pioneer as you say for the “frontman” of electric guitar. I read he inspired BB King to switch to electric . To me he and Sister Rosetta Tharpe were two of the most important pre Rock and Rolll electric guitar players.

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    1. I love that really clean blues guitar picking. I’ve not listened to him for ages as I only have a cassette of his in my collection – but no means if playing it or the other 50 Blues Cassettes in that series.

      Thanks for the reminder of his superb playing . 😃🎸

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    2. Thanks Randy…I’m trying to cover everyone!!! lol. Sorry for the late response…I had a long morning revival at church and lunch.
      Thank you…I never covered Sister Rosetta Tharpe…I have started posts but never finished one….she will be my next rare one.

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  3. Great stuff, Max. You know, I’m in the same boat as you apparently were when it comes to T Bone Walker. I know his name very well but haven’t listened to his music in greater detail. I dig both of your picks, especially “T Bone Shuffle.” It’s nearly impossible to listen to this song without starting to movin’ and groovin’!

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    1. Thanks for listening Christian…yea I knew the name well but not the music…no wonder his name is remembered! His catalog is great.

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