BACK WATER BLUES - Free Jazz Leadsheet

"Back Water Blues" was written and first recorded by Bessie Smith in 1927, with pianist James P. Johnson accompanying her in New York City. The song was inspired by the devastating Mississippi River flood of 1927, capturing both the physical and emotional toll of the disaster through Smith’s poignant lyrics and commanding voice.

The recording became one of Smith’s signature works and a classic of the blues genre. Later interpretations by Dinah Washington, Nina Simone, and Madeleine Peyroux highlighted the song’s emotional power, each artist offering a distinct take on its somber mood and steady tempo.

Structurally, the song is built on a 12-bar blues pattern, but Smith’s vocal phrasing and Johnson’s subtle piano embellishments give it an expressive, almost storytelling character. The lyrics convey resignation and endurance, reflecting the resilience of those affected by hardship. It remains an enduring document of both personal and collective sorrow.