Key to the Highway

"Key to the Highway"
Single by Charlie Segar
Released1940 (1940)
RecordedChicago, February 23, 1940
GenreBlues
Length2:54
LabelVocalion
Songwriter(s)Unknown (Segar credited on single)

"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.