| Catfish John | |
| Type: | single |
| Artist: | Johnny Russell |
| Album: | Catfish John / Chained |
| B-Side: | Promises of Your Love |
| Released: | November 6, 1972 |
| Genre: | Country |
| Length: | 2:48 |
| Label: | RCA |
| Producer: | Jerry Bradley |
| Prev Title: | Rain Falling on Me |
| Prev Year: | 1972 |
| Next Title: | Chained |
| Next Year: | 1973 |
"Catfish John" is a song written by Bob McDill and Allen Reynolds first released on McDill's album Short Stories,[1] and subsequently recorded and released by American country music artist Johnny Russell.[2] It was released in November 1972 as the fourth single from the album, "Catfish John"/"Chained".[3] The song is credited with propelling Bob McDill into the front ranks of country songwriters.
The song has also been performed by Jerry Garcia (Jerry Garcia Band, Old & In the Way), as well as other musicians.[4] Toots Hibbert recorded the song on Fire on the Mountain: Reggae Celebrates the Grateful Dead (Pow Wow), a Grateful Dead tribute album.[5] [6] It has also been performed and recorded by Alison Krauss and Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Australian country music band The Hawking Brothers released their version in 1973 reaching 32 on the charts.[7]
The song is a story about a former slave, which emphasizes difficulties of the everyday life for Black people at the time, and about the singer who, in boyhood, found him an inspiration and source of Delta culture.[8]
| Chart (1972–73) | Peak position | |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles[9] | 12 | |
| Canadian RPM Country Tracks | 3 |