Red House (song)

Red House is a blues standard song written and performed first by famed guitarist Jimi Hendrix.

Hendrix himself did many versions of the song. The first available version of the song was on the UK version of his debut album, Are You Experienced?. The original studio version of the song is 3 minutes, 49 seconds.

Another take was featured on Smash Hits compilation album (1968) and it also appears on posthumous Blues -album. It was recorded about the same time as the version chosen for debut album. On this alternative version Noel Redding plays electric guitar with a sound that resembles bass guitar (bass frequencies turned up).

The song was omitted from US release of the album - the move about which Hendrix complained. "America does not like blues" was the opinion from the recording company.

The "long" version of the song is generally about 6-10 minutes, however the longest recorded version of the song is thought to be the version found on Hendrix in the West, a live album sampling three different shows. He did almost a thirteen minute long version at the San Diego Sports Arena that can be found on that album.

The Woodstock version is notable for Hendrix snapping his high E-string during the performance and playing the second half of the song with five strings.

Other noted live or studio versions include Hendrix' performance at Isle of Wight '70. Blues album also features unfinished version, "Electric Church Red House", on which Hendrix gives an introduction speech and Steve Winwood plays Hammond organ.

On the album Stone Free: A Tribute To Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Guy covers this song. Albert King covers song on his album of the same name. Also John Lee Hooker has played the song and it appeared on the Dirty Bones Band live CD "Stronger Than Dirt" featuring a 19 year-old Tom Guerra on lead guitar.