Released November 6, 1972 Length 2:48 | Genre Country Label RCA | |
B-side "Promises of Your Love" Writer(s) Allen Reynolds
Bob McDill | ||
"Catfish John" is a song written by Bob McDill and Allen Reynolds, and recorded by American country music artist Johnny Russell. It was released in November 1972 as the fourth single from the album, "Catfish John"/"Chained". 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 and in the Way, Grateful Dead), as well as other musicians. Toots Hibbert recorded the song on Fire on the Mountain: Reggae Celebrates the Grateful Dead (Pow Wow), a Grateful Dead tribute album. It has also been performed and recorded by Alison Krauss and Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.
Content
The song is about story of a former slave which emphasizes difficulties of the everyday life at the time.