“Lost John” is a traditional song with roots in African American work-song and folklore. It is generally connected to old stories of John, the clever trickster figure of slavery-era tales, and to chain-gang songs about a fugitive on the run; the song circulated widely before it was ever recorded.
The piece reached records in the 1920s, notably as a harmonica showpiece — Henry Whitter cut an early version, and it became a favorite vehicle for harmonica players imitating a baying hound and a running man. Over time it branched into several forms, from hillbilly song to blues solo to work song.
With its driving rhythm and built-in excitement, “Lost John” carried easily into old-time and bluegrass playing as an instrumental and vocal romp. The version heard here is by Hot Rize, the Colorado band, from their 1985 album “Traditional Ties.”
