The name may not be familiar to every blues enthusiast. But it should be. The power of his music is undeniable. His influence is obvious. But he remains relatively unknown compared to names like Robert Johnson and Son House.
Tommy McClennan was born in Durant, Mississippi on January 4, 1905, though there is the date of April 1908 cited for his birth as well. We know that he was married to Ophelia because they were included in the 1930 Leflore County Census.
Tommy was known by several names, including “Sugar” and “Bottle Up”. He played across the Delta, with anecdotal evidence placing him in Vance, Greenwood, Bolivar County, and Yazoo City.
His style of playing and singing has been described by his contemporaries. Big Bill Broonzy, a Blues legend, described McClennan's playing style as, “Just make the chords and change when you feel like changing.” You can hear the truth in this statement by listening to any of McClennan’s songs. Though not a technical guitarist, he was enthusiastic and charismatic, able to inspire an audience.
It was said about his singing, by author Samuel Charters, that McClennan was “One of the most ferocious Blues singers to get near a microphone.” Like his playing style, his singing may not have been a marvel of technical ability, but his rough, raspy voice encouraged crowds. My personal observation is enjoying the fact that he often says things to urge himself on, almost thinking aloud.
He began recording for producer Lester Melrose in 1939. His recording career was over in 1942. There were forty tracks recorded for Bluebird during this short time. It was a high-output, energetic three years. I, personally, have not heard every track. But I’ve not listened to a bad one. There were songs released for a few years after 1942 by both Bluebird and RCA Victor.
His influence was apparent by the artists that covered his songs. Bob Dylan remade “Highway 51”. Albert King recorded his own version of “Crosscut Saw Blues”. His songs have been done by some of the most influential, including Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton, and Robert Plant. There are literally hundreds, if not thousands of remakes of McClennan songs.
A few tunes can be recognized, even if not the original version. “Highway 51” is commonly thought to be a Dylan original by casual fans. “Shake ‘Em On Down” is another song that is recognizable, along with “Whiskey Head Woman”. By far his most notable recording, and my introduction to his music, is “Bottle It Up And Go”. The lyrics of this track were controversial, but always popular with anyone who came across it.
In his heyday, Tommy McClennan was a popular Country Blues and Delta Blues artist. At some point he moved to Chicago.
Tommy McClennan was purportedly spotted drinking hard and living in a hobo jungle by a Bluesman that knew him. This Blues legend died of Bronchopneumonia on May 9, 1961. God rest his soul.