American Epic: The Best of Blind Willie Johnson cover

American Epic: The Best of Blind Willie Johnson

Blind Willie Johnson · 2017

51 min · 16 tracks · blues · gospel

A haunting blend of gospel fervor and raw blues that transcends time and connects deeply with the human spirit.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo reflective experience
  • haunting melodies for deep thinking
  • spiritual connection through raw emotion
  • consistent pacing for focused listening
  • soulful storytelling with historical weight

Maybe skip if you want

  • seeking fast-paced instant gratification
  • prefer standalone hits over cohesion

Where this album fits

Career context
This compilation was released as part of the American Epic series, which aimed to revive interest in early American roots music. Blind Willie Johnson, already a significant figure in the early 20th-century blues scene, had his work brought back into the spotlight through this album, providing a pivotal moment in recognizing his contributions to music history.
Stylistic neighbors
Billy Preston· Ray Charles· Etta James

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 John the Revelator 3:20
  • 2 It’s Nobody’s Fault but Mine 3:13
  • 3 If I Had My Way I’d Tear the Building Down 3:12
  • 4 God Moves on the Water 3:02
  • 5 The Soul of a Man 3:17
  • 6 I Know His Blood Can Make Me Whole 3:07
  • 7 Church, I’m Fully Saved Today 3:09
  • 8 Let Your Light Shine on Me 3:11
  • 9 Mother’s Children Have a Hard Time 3:24
  • 10 Lord I Can’t Just Keep From Crying 3:05
  • 11 Trouble Will Soon Be Over 3:10
  • 12 Jesus Make Up My Dying Bed 3:15
  • 13 Bye and Bye I’m Goin’ to See the King 2:59
  • 14 Praise God I’m Satisfied 3:13
  • 15 Keep Your Lamp Trimmed and Burning 3:07
  • 16 Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground 3:25

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata