Downhearted Blues

"Downhearted Blues" is a blues song composed by Alberta Hunter and Lovie Austin. The first line immediately sets the theme for the song: "Gee but it's hard to love someone when that someone don't love you".

Alberta Hunter used to sing it during her engagement at the Chicago Dreamland Cafe, where she performed with Joe "King" Oliver's band. She also made a recording of the song in 1922.

Bessie Smith

It was recorded by blues singer Bessie Smith (vocal) and Clarence Williams (piano) February 16, 1923. Released as Bessie Smith's first single (along with B-side "Gulf Coast Blues"), and sold 780 000 records the first six months.

Smith's recording was included by the National Recording Preservation Board in the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry in 2002.^[1] The board selects songs in an annual basis that are "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."^[2]

It was also included in the list of Songs of the Century, by the Recording Industry of America and the National Endowment for the Arts in 2001^[3] and is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as one of the 500 songs that shaped rock.^[4]

"Downhearted Blues" has later been played by several musicians, among others:^[5] Fletcher Henderson & His Orchestra, Eva Taylor, Lucille Hegamin, Edna Hicks, Mildred Bailey & Her Alley Cats, Cab Calloway & His Orchestra, Teddy Wilson, Kid Ory, Juanita Hall, Ella Fitzgerald, Son House, Teresa Brewer.

Notes

1. ^ 2002 Registry choices
2. ^ Librarian of Congress Names 50 Sound Recordings to the Inaugural National Recording Registry
3. ^ Songs of the Century
4. ^ 500 Songs That Shaped Rock
5. ^ "Downhearted Blues"^{[dead link]} at Allmusic