I think the Nehi in "Nehi Mama Blues" was a woman who wore her dresses "knee high", as was the scandalous fashion after World War I. I have no idea how this relates to the soft drink. Pun, maybe?
Teddy Darby mentions Cadillac in "Don't Like The Way You Do", which Johnm transcribed in the Lyrics forum.
I think the Nehi in "Nehi Mama Blues" was a woman who wore her dresses "knee high", as was the scandalous fashion after World War I. I have no idea how this relates to the soft drink. Pun, maybe?
In the early 70s Mike Rowe sent Blues Unlimited an advert for the product from a 1930s Chicago Defender. The label depicted a young woman wearing a "knee high".
I think the Nehi in "Nehi Mama Blues" was a woman who wore her dresses "knee high", as was the scandalous fashion after World War I. I have no idea how this relates to the soft drink. Pun, maybe?
Hi dj - Yes, a pun, used in fact by the company themselves, as can be seen in this billboard advertisement attached (the artwork for which I have as a fridge magnet discovered in some tourist trap). Perhaps the same ad to which Bunker refers.
I think the Nehi in "Nehi Mama Blues" was a woman who wore her dresses "knee high", as was the scandalous fashion after World War I. I have no idea how this relates to the soft drink. Pun, maybe?
Hi dj - Yes, a pun, used in fact by the company themselves, as can be seen in this billboard advertisement attached (the artwork for which I have as a fridge magnet discovered in some tourist trap). Perhaps the same ad to which Bunker refers.
Yep, that's the advert. My memory placed the skirt/legs on the label...wishful thinking, maybe!
Hi all, In "Machine Gun Blues", from 1941, Willie Blackwell refers to a "Johnson machine gun". He may have it wrong, and mean a Thompson machine gun; I've never heard of a Johnson machine gun, but that doesn't prove anything, necessarily. Likewise, in "Chalk My Toy", from the same session, he refers to "Bulldog special shoes", which I believe may still be manufactured. All best, Johnm
In "Machine Gun Blues", from 1941, Willie Blackwell refers to a "Johnson machine gun". He may have it wrong, and mean a Thompson machine gun; I've never heard of a Johnson machine gun, but that doesn't prove anything, necessarily.
I'm fairly sure there was such a comapny and weapon during the 30s John. 20 years ago it was brought up in a review of the compilation which first included that particular song. The reference Blackwell makes to "snapping my typewriter in your face" I think alluded to the fact that the company also manufactured typewriters. I'm sure somebody more clued up than I in such matters can put us straight.
Hi all, This may be a different topic or a sub-heading of this one, but it occurred to me that in some Blues lyrics, the commercial establishments of friends/employers of the singer are touted. Examples include: * The Conoco station operated by Mr. Ed Dumaine (sp?) where Smoky Babe worked in "Hottest Brand Goin'" * C.H. Hayes, the undertaker mentioned by Willie Blackwell in "Machine Gun Blues" * Vassar Williams' auto repair shop in Durhamville, Tennessee, mentioned by Sleepy John Estes in "Brownsville Blues" * The Union Stockyards, owned by "Mr. Owens", where auctions are conducted by "Mr. Kelly" , mentioned in Robert Wilkins in "New Stockyard Blues" I particularly like these mentions when you feel like the singer was trying to drum up business to help out a friend. All best, Johnm
Thanks for the tip on the Johnson machine gun, Bunker Hill. I should have kept my mouth shut, because what I don't know about guns is . . . everything! All best, Johnm
Thanks for the tip on the Johnson machine gun, Bunker Hill. I should have kept my mouth shut, because what I don't know about guns is . . . everything!
John, each to his own. Why do you think I keep my mouth firmly shut on all topic musicological? As a Shakespearian character once uttered, "It's all Greek to me".