30/04/2025
THE BLUE(S)PRINT, No. 03 â âs âBorn Under A Bad Signâ (1967)
Released as a single in April 1967, it went on to serve as the title track of Kingâs first Stax Records album later that year. The song is built around a 12-bar blues structure, with a stand-out bass line, and a moody minor key feel. Its clever lyrics describe a life of bad luck that can only be attributed to astrological misfortune. It has become a blues standard, with over 100 cover versions.
âïžWRITTEN BY: and . Bell wrote the lyrics, with Jones writing the music and arranging the song. Musically, the song incorporates elements of R&B, in addition to blues. The track was written specifically for King, one of three influential blues guitarist/singers (B.B. King and Freddie King) who were called at times âThe Kings of the Blues.â
đ„ RECORDED ON May 17,1967 at Studio in Memphis, Tennessee. King was backed by Booker T and the M.G.âs along with the Horns. The recording showcases Kingâs raw guitar fills throughout the song, in addition to his blazing solos. It was released just one week after recording.
đ” COVERED BY , , , , and many more, as well as versions by the songâs co-writers Booker T. Jones and William Bell. The variety of the artists who recorded versions of the track showcases its cross-genre influence, bridging the blues and soul world in the late 1960s.
đ INDUCTED INTO The Blues Foundation Hall of Fame, who calls the song âa timeless staple of the blues,â (1988). Additionally, the track appears on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fameâs list of â500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll.â
Listen and shop âBorn Under A Bad Signâ at the link in bio!