Dr. John & Etta James :: I’d Rather Go Blind

In terms of sheer personality the above performance has it in spades (and then some). I happened upon this vintage clip a couple of days ago and have since shared it with just about every Dr. John freak I could think of. This, his pairing with Etta James on “I’d Rather Go Blind,” is beyond inspired. Things start off pretty standard with James laying into a song she’s surely belted out hundreds of times over the course of her career. But keep watching. Soon we witness the true power of a duet, one which takes on a life of its own. When the good Dr. strolls out on stage, from behind the keys to join Etta, well, that’s when the magic happens. Feeling it.
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13 thoughts on “Dr. John & Etta James :: I’d Rather Go Blind

  1. Just when you think yer too cool for skool. Some shit like that blows your balls off.

    Thanks

  2. Sheesh. That’s great. She can craft a song like no one else. And Dr. John is just amazing. I still prefer the version she does with Shuggie Otis on guitar on The Late Show album, but glad we have both!

  3. This is from BB King and Friends-just finally found the DVD version (wore out the VHS!). Also on it-Stevie Vaughn, Eric Clapton, Albert King, Billy Ocean, and many more-amazing show!

  4. Where can I get a copy of this DVD. I wore out my video of this BB King and Friends concert years ago.
    So sad to hear Etta James has died. What an amazing woman.

  5. Jennifer – I’ve always loved this other classic… Joe Cocker & Patti LaBelle. Very similar:

    Can’t agree with you there. Firstly, it was never written as a duet and nor as a comedy sketch. LaBelle drowning out Cocker and acting crazy whilst Bill Cosby throttles the pianist.
    Etta and Dr John though, wow. Magic right before your eyes.

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