The album was later reissued under the title Travelin' to California.

The Big Blues compiles songs previously released by King Records and Bobbin Records as singles and B-sides.

[1] King recorded "Blues at Sunrise" and "Let's Have a Natural Ball" for the St. Louis label Bobbin in 1960,[2] which helped to introduce him to a wider audience.

In October 1961, King released "Don't Throw Your Love on Me So Strong", which included Ike Turner on piano.

[4] All songs were written by Albert King, except where noted.