Articles

Black Bob Hudson Transcriptions

Very little is known about Black Bob Hudson, except that he was a ragtime-influenced blues pianist who was active from the 1920s and 1930s, and worked with such renowned figures as Lil Johnson, Merline Johnson, and Memphis Minnie, as well as lesser-known artists such as singer Charley West (whose “Hobo Blues” features Hudson‘s work very prominently). He was the brother of banjoist Ed Hudson, and the two frequented the same circles and recording sessions, and sometimes ended up accompanying the same singers. Both brothers were part of the Memphis Nighthawks, and Bob Hudson was also a member (with Tampa Red and other luminaries) of the Chicago Rhythm Kings.

1) You Can’t Bet On Love (Intro & Solo)
(Lil Johnson, vcl w/ Black Bob Hudson, piano – Chicago Feb 12 1936 – Vocalion 03483)
(rendered with Pianoteq 4.5.1 – D4 Jazz Recording AB)
Transcription from original recording – Copyright 2013 By P. Fornara. All Rights Reserved

Lyrics

I’m sorry we parted
I was blue and downhearted
How can anyone, anyone bet on love?

Now that we’re together again
Oh, life will be sweet again
You’re the one, the one I adore

My heart was just a plaything to you
Just let your love haunt me
And say you’ll be mine again
Please whisper that you want me

And now that you’re so sweet
Without you, life wouldn’t be complete
How can anyone, anyone bet on love?

(spoken:
Now swing, you cats!
You can’t bet on love
Hmmm, I’m so melancholy!)

I’m sorry we parted,
I was blue and downhearted,
How can anyone, anyone bet on love?

Now that we’re together again
Life will be so sweet again
For you’re the one, you’re the one I adore

My heart was just a plaything to you
Just let your love haunt me
And say you’ll be mine again
Please whisper that you want me

And now that you’re so sweet
Without you, life wouldn’t be complete
How can anyone, anyone bet on love?

(spoken: Yowza!)

2) Winner Joe (Intro & Solo)
(Lil Johnson, vcl w/ Black Bob Hudson, piano – Chicago Feb 12 1936 – Vocalion 03604)
(rendered with Pianoteq 4.5.1 – D4 Jazz Recording AB)
Transcription from original recording – Copyright 2013 By P. Fornara. All Rights Reserved

Lyrics

Joe Louis was born in Alabama
And raised up in Detroit
But he always had that killing blow
Every since he was a boy
So, lay it, Joe!
You got the best blow!

When Joe Louis fought in Chicago
Some bet that he would lose
But when the papers brought the news
He gave that kind the blues
So, lay it, Joe!
You got the best blow!

Levinsky made a few passes
And then he fell to the floor
Then the referee hollered, “Hold it, Joe
For he won’t be back no more!”
So, lay it, Joe!
You got the best blow!

(spoken:
Yeah, man, I’m bettin’ on Joe!
Got any money?
I’ll bet you!)

You all heard about Primo Carnera
They thought he was so good
But Joe started chopping on his head
Like a farmer chopping wood!
So, chop it, Joe!
You got the best blow!

Then Joe walked up to the man mountain
And kindly shook his hand
Then Joe backed up a step or two
And knocked him in the promised land
So, knock it, Joe!
You got the best blow!

Then Joe Louis went to New York
Just to fight that champion Baer
And before the first round ended up
Joe left him layin’ there!
So, lay it, Joe!
You got the best blow!

But the Baer, he took it easy
He didn’t argue long
He went on back to California
And bought him a cattle farm
He said, “Take it, Joe
You got the best blow!”

(spoken: Who’s next?)

Sheet music available upon request. Please write to : paolo.fornara[at]gmail.com