| "John the Revelator" | |
|---|---|
&sq=Qlik&lang=&file=File:John_the_Revelator_single_cover.jpg) | |
| Single by Blind Willie Johnson | |
| Released | 1930 |
| Recorded | Atlanta, Georgia, April 20, 1930 |
| Genre | Gospel blues |
| Length | 3:17 |
| Label | Columbia |
| Songwriter(s) | Not listed[1] |
"John the Revelator" is a gospel blues call and response song.[2] Music critic Thomas Ward describes it as "one of the most powerful songs in all of pre-war acoustic music ... [which] has been hugely influential to blues performers".[3] American gospel-blues musician Blind Willie Johnson recorded "John the Revelator" in 1930. Subsequently, a variety of artists, including the Golden Gate Quartet, Son House, Depeche Mode, Jerry Garcia Band, The White Stripes, The Forest Rangers, The Sword, have recorded their renditions of the song, often with variations in the verses and music.
The song's title refers to John of Patmos in his role as the author of the Book of Revelation. A portion of that book focuses on the opening of seven seals and the resulting apocalyptic events. In its various versions, the song quotes several passages from the Bible in the tradition of American spirituals.
- ^ Johnson's original 78 & 1993 Columbia Complete CD don't list a writer; House's 1965 Columbia LP shows "Public Domain" & 1992 Complete DC lists "Traditional/Arranged by Son House"
- ^ Sleeve notes from Dark Was the Night by Blind Willie Johnson, Columbia/Mojo Working Blues 1998
- ^ Ward, Thomas. "Blind Willie Johnson: 'John the Revelator' – Review". AllMusic. Retrieved June 10, 2013.