It’s pouring rain here all day and night, and I am cooped up inside. I did have a visitor today, bless her heart, a lovely women named Jeanne, who stayed and chatted for a few hours. She’s gone now and I’m listening to the music of my generation. Yes, I was born under a bad sign. My mama told me it was a beautiful spring day when I was born, but I now know better. I always loved the blues and it’s no wonder why.

Born Under a Bad Sign was recorded by some of the greats, Cream (Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker), the phenomenal late Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Johnny Winter, Albert King, among others. I just discovered a most awesome version by the high priestess of soul, Nina Simone. I’ll offer three versions here, Nina Simone (you shouldn’t miss this if you know her voice and her music), a rare cut with the late great Stevie Ray Vaughn playing with Albert King, and the one by Cream, the British band from the 1960’s and 70’s, whose influence was far and wide.

This is how I’ve been feeling today. It’s still raining, cold and it’s dark outside, and I am trying to feel some heat.