Long before Sonny Terry & Brownie McGee were slotted into the opening of Dave Chapelle’s short-lived series on Comedy Central, their winning charm had earned them accolades for their authenticity, not the least of which were accorded them by comparably well-regarded musicians like pianist Otis Spann. In this video from French TV in 1964, the trio (plus a rhythm section of bassist Ransome Knowling and drummer Willie ‘Big Eyes’ Smith) workout on “Walk On,” the barely disguised ebullience no doubt arising as much from their collaboration as the song itself. The jaunty ease with which they all comport themselves on their instruments belies the depth of feeling that arises from their playing and singing.
