B.B. King is easily the most recognized and memorable name in Blues. But his earliest and undeniable musical influence was gospel music in the Delta. You can read more about his album B.B. King Sings Spirituals (pictured above) here. Listening to the album, the most blues-like song, in my opinion, is "Save a Seat for Me," written by Archie Brownlee of the Five Blind Boys of Mississippi. It's the second most played song from the album on Spotify (behind Thomas Dorsey's "Precious Lord"), and would do well to be played in a Sunday morning church service. Lyrics below:
I have a few more Tears to shed I have a few more Burdens to bear I have a few more Times to give up the right For the wrong But I'm gonna keep on Pressing on the Word Till my battle is fought My victory is won But if you make it in Glory Before I do Save a seat for me
Tell my mother to save (Save a seat for me) Save a seat for me (Save a seat for me) I'm on my way home (Save a seat for me)
Save a seat for me (Save a seat for me) I want you to save (Save a seat for me) Save a seat for me (Save a seat for me) I just want you to save (Save a seat for me) Save a seat for me (Save a seat for me)
Sometimes I've been up Sometimes I've been down Sometimes I've been leveled I've been leveled down to the ground But if you make it in glory Before I do Save a seat for me
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