I find it remarkable that so many songs (some credited some not credited ask Led Zeppelin) sample blues music. Old time blues musicians do not get any respect by listeners. They are the universal Rodney Dangerfield. No Respect. Well, at least they get respect by musicians (except if you’re Robert “Stolen” Plant or Jimmy “Plagerize” Page). Anyone who does not think rock n’ roll came from 20’s blues musicians should really read this post. So, instead of simply highlighting the 1969 Canned Heat hit, I felt it necessary to also profile the original blues piece recorded in 1928 by the master of the quills (pan-flute), Henry Thomas.
Henry Thomas
Do not worry, Canned Heat gave them credit. It all does make sense though. The reason why I picked “Goin Up The Country” is to write a proper send off to my brother who leaves today for Cornell University in Ithaca, NY (The country of New York). Ithaca is only three hours away from Woodstock country, White Lake, NY. Not surprisingly, “Bull Doze Blues,” opens with the lyric I’m going away, babe, and it won’t be long. “Goin’ Up The Country,” begins with the lyric I’m going up the country, baby, don’t you wanna go. Similar, ey!
“Goin’ Up The Country,” which has become synonymous with the famous Woodstock music festival that has been stuck in my mind over the past few days, appeared on Canned Heat’s double album Living The Blues. It also was released as a single and hit #11 on the U.S billboard hot 100 charts. It also appeared as #1 in 25 other countries. The song gains its popularity as the unofficial anthem of the Woodstock festival. The lyrics do work perfectly because they profile going up the country which is what so many did to witness the festival.
The song is also flat-out blues, focusing on the blues AAB form. Same line twice and then a concluding line for each verse. Canned Heat did turn the song into modern blues. Henry Thomas’ “Bull Doze Blues,” is a precursor to the blues. His music is more of a demonstration of the evolution of blues. You want to check out the differences. I have video.
“Goin’ Up The Country,” by Canned Heat: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hf0Dm-OaTNk&feature=PlayList&p=FBB5E7ECBB20EB6A&index=13
“Bull Doze Blues,” by Henry Thomas: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Qo9R5kDZWY&feature=PlayList&p=3C20D5FF8FE33BFC&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=45
The Music Court 
I commented on one of your other Canned Heat-related posts earlier today. With this one, you’ve raised an interesting subject. Actually, CH did *not* credit Thomas for songwriting on this number. You might be thinking of “On the Road Again”, which is co-credited to Chicago blues man Floyd Jones.
If you’re interested, I’d be happy to share with you an essay I’ve written, entitled “The Logic Behind Classic-Era Canned Heat Songwriting Credits For Older Blues Material”. There was actually somewhat of a logic to it, and CH did not plagiarize quite as blatantly as Led Zeppelin. The essay is about a page and a half long, however, so I didn’t want to post it here without asking first. (I could also email it to you if you like.) It’s informed by my interviews with vocalist Bob Hite’s brother Richard, who also played bass in the band in the 1970s.
I am very much enjoying your blog.
Hey Rebecca,
I know you commented on this post over 10 years ago but I thought I’d take a shot…. I’m doing a final undergraduate project on the influence of the delta/early southern blues and I’d love to read your essay. If you get this please email your paper to nickcusick@hotmail.com thanks!
That’s a question I’ve been wondering about myself! Like Nick said, if you ever see this comment I’d love to read your essay. My email is loweparis3@gmail.com, thanks!
Wow thank you Rebecca. That does sound very interesting. I would love to read it. Send me the essay at musiccourt@gmail.com. Thank you so much for checking out the blog.
The line “I’m going up the country, baby don’t you wanna go” was probably borrowed from Statesboro Blues by Blind Willie McTell (his song: “Goin’ up the country, mama, don’t you wanna go?”)