Bright Lights, Big City (1961 song)
Encyclopedia
"Bright Lights, Big City" is a blues song written and recorded by Jimmy Reed
in 1961. It became one of Reed's most popular songs, reaching number three in the R&B chart and number fifty-eight in the Hot 100. The song was included on the album Jimmy Reed at Carnegie Hall
. Later, it was included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
list of "500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll".
recorded "Bright Lights, Big City" for their second album (UK Animal Tracks
, US The Animals on Tour
). In 1971, Sonny James
covered the song, and his version became his nineteenth number one country hit. Neil Young
included his recording of the song on his 1983 album Everybody's Rockin'
.
Gary Clark, Jr.'s performance of the song at the 2010 Crossroads Guitar Festival
was subsequently included on the DVD that was released from the festival (and shown on PBS as well).
Johnny Winter
recorded "Bright Lights, Big City" in his 2011 album Roots. The song features Susan Tedeschi
on guitar and vocals.
Jimmy Reed
Mathis James "Jimmy" Reed was an American blues musician and songwriter, notable for bringing his distinctive style of blues to mainstream audiences. Reed was a major player in the field of electric blues, as opposed to the more acoustic-based sound of many of his contemporaries...
in 1961. It became one of Reed's most popular songs, reaching number three in the R&B chart and number fifty-eight in the Hot 100. The song was included on the album Jimmy Reed at Carnegie Hall
Jimmy Reed at Carnegie Hall
Jimmy Reed at Carnegie Hall is a double LP album by Jimmy Reed, released in 1961. Though the title suggests that the record was recorded live, it consists of a studio recreation of a Carnegie Hall performance on one disc and a second disc that is identical to an LP released separately as The Best...
. Later, it was included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is a museum located on the shore of Lake Erie in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, United States. It is dedicated to archiving the history of some of the best-known and most influential artists, producers, engineers and others who have, in some major way,...
list of "500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll".
Other versions
In 1965, English rock group The AnimalsThe Animals
The Animals were an English music group of the 1960s formed in Newcastle upon Tyne during the early part of the decade, and later relocated to London...
recorded "Bright Lights, Big City" for their second album (UK Animal Tracks
Animal Tracks (UK album)
Animal Tracks is the second British album by The Animals. This album was released in 1965. The album reached #6 on the UK charts. An identically titled album with a different track listing was released in America the same year.- Track listing :Side 1...
, US The Animals on Tour
The Animals on Tour
The Animals on Tour was the second American studio album by British rock band The Animals. It was released by MGM Records in February 1965 . The album included two previously released singles, "I'm Crying" and "Boom Boom"....
). In 1971, Sonny James
Sonny James
James Loden , known professionally as Sonny James, is an American country music singer and songwriter best known for his 1957 hit, "Young Love". Dubbed the Southern Gentleman, James had 72 country and pop chart hits from 1953 to 1983, including a five-year streak of 16 straight among his 23 No. 1...
covered the song, and his version became his nineteenth number one country hit. Neil Young
Neil Young
Neil Percival Young, OC, OM is a Canadian singer-songwriter who is widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians of his generation...
included his recording of the song on his 1983 album Everybody's Rockin'
Everybody's Rockin'
Everybody's Rockin' is the thirteenth studio album by Canadian musician Neil Young, released in 1983. The album was recorded with the Shocking Pinks , and features a selection of rockabilly songs . Running 25 minutes, it is Young's shortest album...
.
Gary Clark, Jr.'s performance of the song at the 2010 Crossroads Guitar Festival
Crossroads Guitar Festival
The Crossroads Guitar Festival is a music festival and benefit concert first held in 2004 and again in 2007 and 2010. The festivals benefit the Crossroads Centre founded by Eric Clapton, a drug treatment center located in Antigua. The concerts are also intended to be a showcase for a variety of...
was subsequently included on the DVD that was released from the festival (and shown on PBS as well).
Johnny Winter
Johnny Winter
John Dawson "Johnny" Winter III is an American blues guitarist, singer, and producer. Best known for his late 1960s and 1970s high-energy blues-rock albums and live performances, Winter also produced three Grammy Award-winning albums for blues legend Muddy Waters...
recorded "Bright Lights, Big City" in his 2011 album Roots. The song features Susan Tedeschi
Susan Tedeschi
Susan Tedeschi is an American blues and soul musician, who has received multiple Grammy Award nominations, and is well-known for her singing voice, guitar playing, stage presence, and marriage to blues guitarist Derek Trucks...
on guitar and vocals.
Jimmy Reed
| Chart (1961) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs | 3 |
| U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | 58 |
Sonny James
| Chart (1971) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles | 1 |
| U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | 91 |
| Canadian RPM Country Tracks | 4 |