JOHNNY BARFIELD
Johnny Barfield (1915–1974) was a Georgia-born singer, guitarist, and songwriter whose energetic performances blended country music with blues and boogie-woogie influences. Recording primarily for Bluebird in the late 1930s and early 1940s, he developed a distinctive guitar style marked by driving rhythm, alternating bass patterns, and syncopated boogie figures that set him apart from many of his contemporaries.
BOOGIE WOOGIE
Recorded August 21, 1939 — Atlanta, Georgia
Matrix: 041214-1 Bluebird B-8335
"Boogie Woogie" is one of Johnny Barfield's finest guitar performances. Built on a steady alternating-bass accompaniment with subtle boogie-woogie inflections, the piece showcases his rhythmic drive and relaxed sense of swing. Rather than imitating the piano style literally, Barfield adapts its energy to the country guitar, creating an accompaniment that is both simple and remarkably effective.
DESERT LULLABY
Recorded October 8, 1940 — Atlanta, Georgia
Matrix: 054544-1 - Bluebird B-8730
"Desert Lullaby" is a gentle western waltz that highlights Johnny Barfield's restrained approach to accompaniment. His guitar maintains a steady alternating bass with smooth chord transitions and subtle bass movement, creating a relaxed rhythmic flow that perfectly complements the song's quiet, reflective mood. The performance demonstrates how Barfield could achieve warmth and expression through simplicity rather than technical display.
IN THE HEART OF THE CITY
Recorded October 8, 1940 — Atlanta, Georgia
Matrix: 054544-1 - Bluebird B-8586
“In the Heart of the City” places Johnny Barfield in an urban setting rather than the rural and western imagery found elsewhere in his repertoire. The song carries a strong sense of loneliness and displacement, using the city as the backdrop for a more personal kind of heartache.
WHY DON'T YOU GIVE ME MY MEMORIES
Recorded August 21, 1939 — Atlanta, Georgia
Matrix: 041210-1 — Bluebird B-8318
“Why Don’t You Give Me My Memories” is a plaintive country song recorded by Johnny Barfield at his first Bluebird session in Atlanta in August 1939. Barfield performed it alone, accompanying himself on guitar. The session also produced his landmark “Boogie Woogie,” generally regarded as the first country-boogie recording.
DON'T CRY MY DARLIN'
Recorded August 21, 1939 — Atlanta, Georgia
Matrix: 041211-1 — Bluebird B-8318
“Don’t Cry My Darlin’” is a sentimental country song recorded by Johnny Barfield at his first Bluebird session in Atlanta in August 1939. Barfield performs alone, accompanying himself on guitar. It was issued with “Why Don’t You Give Me My Memories,” another plaintive number from the same session.
