Key to the Highway

Big Bill Broonzy, Jazz Gillum

About Key to the Highway

"Key to the Highway" is a blues standard that has been performed and recorded by several blues and other artists. Blues pianist Charlie Segar first recorded the song in 1940. Jazz Gillum and Big Bill Broonzy followed with recordings in 1940 and 1941, using an arrangement that has become the standard. When Little Walter updated the song in 1958 in an electric Chicago blues style, it became a success on the R&B record chart. A variety of artists have since interpreted the song, including Eric Clapton, who recorded several versions.  


Year:
1996
2:54
37 

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I've got the key to the highway 
Billed out and bound to go 
I'm gonna leave here, runnin' 
Because walkin' is most too slow 

I'm going back to the border 
Where I'm better known 
'Cause you haven't done nothin' 
But drove a good man away from home 

Give me one mo' kiss, mama 
Just befo' I go 
'Cause when I'm leavin' here 
I won't be back no mo' 
(harmonica) 

When the moon 
Peep o'vr the mountain 
Honey, I'll be on my way 
I'm gonna walk this highway 
Until the break of day 

Well, it's so-long, so-long, baby 
I must say good-bye 
I'm gonna roam this highway 
Until the day I die. 

(harmonica & instrumental to end) 

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Big Bill Broonzy

Big Bill Broonzy (June 26, 1903 – August 15, 1958) was a prolific American blues singer, songwriter and guitarist. His career began in the 1920s when he played country blues to mostly black audiences. Through the ‘30s and ‘40s he successfully navigated a transition in style to a more urban blues sound popular with working class Black audiences. In the 1950s a return to his traditional folk-blues roots made him one of the leading figures of the emerging American folk music revival and an international star. His long and varied career marks him as one of the key figures in the development of blues music in the 20th century. more »

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Written by: Charles Segar, William Lee Conley Broonzy

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


6 facts about this song

Composition and Original Release
"Key to the Highway" was originally recorded in 1940 by the blues musician William Lee Conley, better known as Big Bill Broonzy. It’s a classic blues song, which has been interpreted and recorded by many blues and rock artists. - The song is said to be co-authored by Broonzy and Charlie Segar, but there is some debate over this as some sources credit Jazz Gillum.
Genre and Style
The song is usually classified as a traditional blues song, known for its opening riff, which has since become a signature blues guitar phrase. - The track is characterized by its 8-bar blues progression, which is less commonly used than the more familiar 12-bar blues form.
Popular Cover Songs
One of the most well-known covers of "Key to the Highway" is by Eric Clapton. Clapton first recorded it with Derek and the Dominos for their album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs in 1970. - This version by Clapton and Derek is a 9-minute long jam, contrasting with the concise 3-minute original by Broonzy.
Recognition and Influence
Due to its enduring popularity, "Key to the Highway" was inducted into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame in 2010. - The song has become a standard in blues and rock, with versions by Little Walter and other prominent musicians. Clapton described it as one of his favorite songs, citing it as a big influence on his playing.
Performances and Recordings
Little Walter's version of "Key to the Highway" is a harmonica-driven rendition, reflecting his signature style. - Jazz Gillum's recording of the song, featuring Big Bill Broonzy on guitar, highlights Gillum's harmonica work. In many ways, it is similar to Segar's piano-based original.
Legacy
After more than 80 years since its original release, "Key to the Highway" remains a staple in the musical repertoire of blues and rock music. - The song is often performed in live shows by famous musicians, such as B.B. King, Bob Dylan, and The Rolling Stones, cementing its status as an enduring classic of the blues genre.

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