They're Red Hot
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (June 2016) |
| "They're Red Hot" | |
|---|---|
| Song | |
| A-side | "Come On in My Kitchen" |
| "They're Red Hot" | |
|---|---|
| Song |
"They're Red Hot" is a song originally performed and written by blues musician Robert Johnson.[1][2] The single was released in July 1937 via Vocalion label.
Overview
It is one of few songs recorded by the bluesman that is not based around twelve bar blues, instead being based on a common ragtime chord progression. Unlike some other Johnson songs, only one recording of this song exists.
Cover versions
- It was also performed by the Red Hot Chili Peppers on their 1991 album Blood Sugar Sex Magik.[3] The band recorded this song outside of The Mansion on top of a hill at two in the morning, as seen in the 1992 documentary Funky Monks. The song is available for download for the Rock Band series.
- The song has also been covered by Eric Clapton, featured on his 2004 homage to Johnson, Me and Mr. Johnson.[4] American jazz vocalist Cassandra Wilson recorded her own version on her album Belly of the Sun. However, the song appeared under the title "Hot Tamales".[5] Richie Kotzen has his version of this song on his Bipolar Blues album.[6] The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain performs a version of this song on their DVD Anarchy in the Ukulele under the title, "Hot Tamales, They're Red Hot".
- Peter Green / Nigel Watson covered the song on their 2004 album Hot Foot Powder.[7]
- Hugh Laurie covered the song on his 2011 album Let Them Talk.[8]
- Andrew Bird uses the structure of this song[citation needed] in one of his own, "Cock O' the Walk", which appeared on the 1998 album, Thrills, under the band name Andrew Bird's Bowl of Fire.[9]
- The song "All By Myself," originally performed by Fats Domino in the 1950s, bears some lyrical resemblance to Johnson's song. There is also another early rock and roll number, written by Billy Lee Riley, titled simply "Red Hot." This version contains lyrics that are very similar to the song by Robert Johnson, with the most obvious difference being the chorus, which goes "my gal is red hot / your gal ain't doodley squat." These songs may be homages to Johnson's song or simply revised adaptations rewritten to appeal to the early rock and roll fan base. However, Johnson's songs were not generally available until 1961, so these other songs may have drawn from a common source that may also have influenced Johnson.[citation needed]
References
- ^ "Robert Johnson – They're Red Hot / Come On In My Kitchen". Discogs. discogs.com. Retrieved 26 May 2016.
- ^ "ROBERT JOHNSON: THEY'RE RED HOT - PIANO, VOCAL & GUITAR (RIGHT-HAND MELODY)". sheetmusicdirect.com. Retrieved 26 May 2016.
- ^ Huey, Steve. "Blood Sugar Sex Magik – Red Hot Chili Peppers". AllMusic. Retrieved May 26, 2016.
- ^ Stephen Thomas Erlewine (2004-03-23). "Me and Mr. Johnson - Eric Clapton | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 2016-06-04.
- ^ David R. Adler (2002-02-26). "Belly of the Sun - Cassandra Wilson | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 2016-06-04.
- ^ "Bi-Polar Blues - Richie Kotzen | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. 1999-05-18. Retrieved 2016-06-04.
- ^ Tim Griggs (2000-05-02). "Hot Foot Powder - Peter Green | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 2016-06-04.
- ^ Stephen Thomas Erlewine (2011-05-09). "Let Them Talk - Hugh Laurie | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 2016-06-04.
- ^ Bob Gottlieb (1998-04-07). "Thrills - Andrew Bird's Bowl of Fire | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 2016-06-04.