The Seventh Son


"The Seventh Son" is a rhythm and blues song written by Willie Dixon. The title refers to the seventh son of a seventh son of folklore, which Dixon referenced previously in his "Hoochie Coochie Man".
In 1955, Willie Mabon was the first to record it, which was released as a single by Chess Records. Johnny Rivers recorded the song as the lead track for his album Meanwhile Back at the Whisky à Go Go, which was also one of his most popular singles.

Recording and release

Willie Mabon recorded "The Seventh Son" on June 1, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois. The exact personnel on the session is not known for sure but is most likely Willie Mabon, Bill Martin, Herbert Robinson, Willie Dixon, and Oliver Coleman. The song was paired for release as a single with "Lucinda" as the B-side and was released in October.

Johnny Rivers rendition

Johnny Rivers' version of "The Seventh Son" was released on the 1965 album Meanwhile Back at the Whisky à Go Go and also as a single. Despite the title, most, if not all, of the tracks were recorded in the studio with audience noise added. The single version peaked at number seven on Billboard magazine's Hot 100 singles chart. It topped RPM magazine's Top Singles chart.

Recordings by other artists

"The Seventh Son" has been recorded by a variety of artists, including Bill Haley & His Comets, John Mellencamp, Billy "Crash" Craddock, Mose Allison, Sting, Georgie Fame, Climax Blues Band, Long John Baldry, George Thorogood and, as with many of his own songs, by Willie Dixon.