Don't Blame Her (1947)
Lonnie Johnson · Complete Recorded Works 1937-47, Vol. 3-(1944-47) [1994]
1946 have come, babe but now it's gone.
I wanna leave with you people, '46 did not go so long.
So many people, who done passed away.
So many people, who done passed away.
But 1946 mama, sure have made its day.
Some people had lots of fun, so many people lost their mind.
Some people had lots of fun, so many of them lost their mind.
Some people went to the big house, just to serve a long, long time.
Old year have come an' gone, new year have just arrived.
Old year have come an' gone, new year have just arrived.
But I hope it won't be just like the year has just passed by.
Don't Blame Her (1947)
Lonnie Johnson stands as a towering figure in the evolution of blues and jazz, renowned for his fluid guitar work and emotive vocal delivery. By 1947, Johnson had already established a vast discography spanning two decades, bridging the gap between early acoustic blues and the emerging rhythm and blues sound. Don't Blame Her captures the maturity of his later recording years, showcasing the sophisticated phrasing that defined his style during this era. The track reflects the emotional depth characteristic of Johnson's extensive body of work, where personal heartache often served as the central theme. As a pivotal artist who influenced countless successors, Johnson's 1947 recordings remain essential listening for understanding the transition in American popular music. This song exemplifies his ability to convey complex feelings through a concise musical narrative, securing his legacy as a master of the genre.