Doctor Mooney's 115th Dream: Magic Sam Blues Band’s Lovesick Warhorse, “All of Your Love”

Put simply, blues sorcerer, Magic Sam – the nickname given to him by Shakey Jake—was the crown prince of Chicago’s West Side sound. Before his untimely death in 1969, he had recorded sides on Cobra, Chief and Crash along with two immaculate albums, West Side Soul and Black Magic for the Chicago-based Delmark label. After his Delmark contract expired, there were rumblings he would sign with Stax, Soulsville USA.

The definitive blues album of the late 60s, West Side Soul, captures an unrivaled Sam at his peak. One of the finest cuts and favorites of the doctors and nursemaids here at the asylum is the re-working of his first Cobra single, “All of Your Love.” Recorded by Delmark founder and owner Bob Koester in 1967, “All of Your Love” is a razor sharp nitty gritty knockout steeped in gut-wrenching emotion. Throughout the track, Magic Sam’s slow burning lake effect eruption rolls like thunder and rattles lovelorn sonic lightning. "Magic Sam had a different guitar sound," remarks record producer, Willie Dixon. "Most of the guys were playing the straight 12-bar blues thing, but the harmonies that he carried with the chords was a different thing altogether. This tune "All Your Love," he expressed with such an inspirational feeling with his high voice. You could always tell him, even from his introduction to the music."

“All of Your Love”
Written by: Sam Maghett

All your love, baby can it be mine
All your love, baby can it be mine
I hate to be the one
The one love you left behind

All your love, baby don't put around
All your love, baby don't put around
Love is one thing baby
You won't find on the ground

All your love, I've got to have one day
All your love, I've got to have one day
Don't you leave me baby
Please come back this way