Song of the Week #161 - "Blue Monday"

Song of the Week #161 – “Blue Monday”

Written by admin on October 21, 2013 – 7:44 am -

Fats Domino’s “Blue Monday” is Song of the Week on Classic Pop Icons.

“Blue Monday” was released on single in December 1956, backed with “What’s the Reason I’m Not Pleasing You,” and also featured on the 1957 album “This Is Fats” and the 1959 album “Fats Domino sings 12,000,000 Records”.

“Blue Monday” wasn’t the first or last song to lament the end of the weekend and beginning of the working week. The lyrics to “Blue Monday” were probably inspired directly by T-Bone Walker’s “Call It Stormy Monday,” as both comment unfavourably on each day of the working week, and then celebrate the opportunity to cut loose and “play” at the weekend. This is further highlighted by the “Blue Monday” arrangement, as the verses lead into a faster tempo bridge, with pounding piano chords that build to a crescendo as the singer is where he wants to be, namely “Out on the stand to play”. Fats Domino has cited the song as his personal favourite, and perhaps that is because he could empathise strongly with the lyrics. Before he was a full time musician, he spent years working in a factory during the week and playing clubs at weekends.

Fats Domino popularised the song, but did not make the first recording. Smiley Lewis recorded the song in December 1953, with Fats playing piano on that cut.

“Blue Monday” – Smiley Lewis

In many cases, the original recording of a song is the definitive cut, but Fats’ cover takes the prize this time with its heavier beat, perfectly delivered saxophone solo, and Fats’ more convincing vocal delivery.

Fats performed “Blue Monday” in the 1956 film “The Girl Can’t Help It,” after which it was released on single and became a hit.

Billboard heaped praise on Fats Domino’s “Blue Monday” when they spotlighted the single in their December 15, 1956 issue:

Fats Domino - Billboard's Blue Monday review, 15 Dec 1956

“Blue Monday” was one of many timeless collaborations between Fats Domino and Imperial A&R man Dave Bartholomew, including “Ain’t That A Shame” and “I’m Walkin'”. The pair began working together in the 1940s when Bartholomew saw Fats playing at a club in New Orleans and offered him a spot in his own band. Fats soon signed to Imperial, with Bartholomew as his producer. Their first session in 1949 produced the hit song “The Fat Man”.

Classic hits such as “Blue Monday” made Fats Domino the second best selling rock ‘n’ roll artist (after Elvis Presley) in the 1950s.

“Blue Monday” – Fats Domino

Authorship

“Blue Monday” was written by Dave Bartholomew and Fats Domino. Bartholomew had sole writing credit for the original recording, but Fats was given credit for his later contributions.

Recording date/location

“Blue Monday” was recorded on March 30, 1955 at Cosimo Matassa’s J&M Studio in New Orleans, LA.

Musicians

The following musicians played on “Blue Monday”:

Fats Domino – vocals, piano
Herb Hardesty – tenor sax
Wendell Duconge – tenor sax
Dave Bartholomew – trumpet
Walter Nelson – guitar
Frank Fields – bass
Cornelius Coleman – drums.

Chart performance

“Blue Monday” topped Billboard’s R&B chart in the survey week ending January 16, 1956, knocking his own recording, “Blueberry Hill,” from the top spot.

Fats Domino Blue Monday Billboard R&B chart

The single also found success on the pop chart, peaking at number five.

Notable covers

“Blue Monday” – Huey Lewis & The News

Huey Lewis & The News featured “Blue Monday” on their 1994 rock ‘n’ roll/R&B covers album “Four Chords and Several Years Ago“. It’s clear that the band have a strong affinity with the material, as they do a great job of recreating the feel of the original. It’s not the most imaginative of covers, but still worthwhile.

“Blue Monday” – Bob Seger”

As with Huey, Bob Seger stuck to the well known arrangement when he recorded his cover for the “Road House” soundtrack in 1989. The more modern production gives it a little more kick than Fats’ version, and Seger’s trademark gravelly vocals suit the song.