Rising Sun Blues by JTSunrise published on 2023-04-16T20:52:27Z The "House of the Rising Sun" is a famous folk song that originated in the United States, and there are many different theories about its origins and meaning. One theory is that the song was inspired by a real house of prostitution in the Storyville district of New Orleans Storyville operated from 1897 to 1917, and it was known for its music, gambling, and prostitution. Many of the city's most famous musicians got their start playing in the clubs and brothels, including jazz legends like Jelly Roll Morton and King Oliver The folk song known as “Rising Sun Blues” tells the story of a young man lured into a life of gambling and vice, ultimately leading to his downfall. A cautionary tale to future generations to avoid repeating the same mistakes he made and his father before. Other original versions tell the story from a female perspective in the vice trade. It was popularized by various artists and music genres for over a hundred years. The origins of the song are unknown but it is believed to have been passed down orally for many years before being discovered, recorded and published in 1937 by Alan Lomax Storyville was home to Marianne LeSoleil Levant, whose name translates to "Rising Sun" in French. The song may have been written about her establishment in the district Marianne was born in France in the late 1800s and moved to New Orleans as a young woman. She quickly became one of the most sought-after prostitutes in Storyville and was known for her exceptional beauty and style. She was also known for her intelligence and was fluent in several languages, which made her popular among wealthy and cultured patrons. Marianne was particularly famous for her relationship with the photographer E. J. Bellocq, who captured a series of portraits of her and other prostitutes in Storyville. The photographs, taken between 1912 and 1914, are now considered some of the most important and iconic images of the era. Marianne LeSoleil Levant's name translates to "Marianne The Rising Sun". Marianne died sometime before 1917. The details surrounding Marianne LeSoleil Levant's death are a mystery. The disappearance and death of prostitutes was common. There are different versions of the story. Some sources claim she was murdered by a client. Some say she was done-in by a criminal enterprise. Storyville had numerous brothels, saloons, and other establishments that were located in a designated district for the city's vice trade. The district was shut down in 1917 as part of US government war preparations to eliminate gambling and prostitution operations where soldiers would be stationed. New Orleans was a port of embarkation for WWI The Hall of Mirrors was a popular entertainment venue in Storyville that featured live music performances and other forms of entertainment. It was located at 235 Basin Street and was named after its signature feature, which was a large number of mirrors covering the walls and ceiling. The venue hosted some of the most famous jazz musicians of the era. The mirrors created a dazzling effect and made the space appear larger than it actually was Mahogany Hall, located at 417 Basin Street, was a high-end brothel that catered to wealthy patrons. It was known for its opulent decor, which included mahogany woodwork, velvet curtains, and chandeliers. The brothel was also known for its beautiful and talented prostitutes, who were said to be some of the most desirable in Storyville Both the Hall of Mirrors and Mahogany Hall were located in the heart of Storyville and were known for their luxurious and decadent atmosphere. They were both popular among wealthy patrons who often visited New Orleans for world class horse races and were known for their high-quality entertainment and services Cover art: House of the Rising Sun #1 from $50.00 https://www.magwireart.com/all-prints/house-of-the-rising-sun-1-rsyy4 JT Genre FolksPunk Americana Comment by Solo Co Co sick as clearly a person can say a drinking pile Gen sober to day may it bat a mop Muslim top he raised at a lord long a go with planet 5 pops to still live through and build like a crow on a ha ha hay nop on this clock 2023-11-04T19:05:11Z Comment by Alain GUERIN Song that can be listening with pleasure. Nice work. Bravo. 2023-10-20T12:51:50Z Comment by The Gobi Desert Canoe Club This was the first song I could play all the way through. Loved reading the history of the song. 2023-10-19T16:12:22Z Comment by JTSunrise Thank U. An old song, with ghosts 2023-08-08T02:39:45Z Comment by mistermark i love the old old 'dark' blues like this - this is a ghostly rendition that I like more ad it goes along 2023-08-06T03:24:42Z Comment by projectGhostRadio Great rootsy version & interesting info about the origins of this timeless traditional 2023-06-25T18:13:38Z Comment by Tomgroove cool interpretation !! 2023-04-30T18:21:40Z Comment by Lammbone Liking this traditional rendition JT. 2023-04-28T18:32:57Z Comment by Tony's Lyrics Mighty fine work JT! 2023-04-24T13:47:24Z Comment by Walkin' in Pa's Footsteps matter fact/ been there/ done that great track 2023-04-23T23:43:14Z Comment by STONERJAZZ Excellent Version JT--:) some good Whistling too!! 2023-04-22T12:42:02Z Comment by Kurt Mottershead Great song. Love the sound. 2023-04-22T01:29:03Z Comment by Brian Peters Great authenticity to this version, JT. Cool liner notes and cover art too!!!! 2023-04-21T23:07:01Z Comment by Pa' Shot The Canary nice one man, cool version and great to read some history that I'd not heard before.👍 2023-04-21T13:37:49Z Comment by Nunz Gambale Well there you go. Here I was thinking it was written by the Animals. Nice folky rendition and thanks for the story about the song's folk history. I still love the Animals version though! 2023-04-17T07:14:15Z