Copyright © J. S. Hace All rights reserved.
This website, designed, created and maintained by: J. S. Hace
One of many song contributions: "The
Things That I Used To Do". Released
in 1954, it was arranged and produced
by a then, young Ray Charles.
Eddie started out as a Gospel singer,
then switched to the blues. He left the
Delta area and went to New Orleans
where he played regularly at The Dew
Drop Inn. However, his wild life style
caught up to him in the winter of 1959
and contracted pneumonia, dying
shortly after a concert in Buffalo, N.Y.
Things That I Used To Do". Released
in 1954, it was arranged and produced
by a then, young Ray Charles.
Eddie started out as a Gospel singer,
then switched to the blues. He left the
Delta area and went to New Orleans
where he played regularly at The Dew
Drop Inn. However, his wild life style
caught up to him in the winter of 1959
and contracted pneumonia, dying
shortly after a concert in Buffalo, N.Y.
Information source:
- The Encyclopedia of Jazz & Blues
- The Encyclopedia of Jazz & Blues
| Eddie Jones (a.k.a. Guitar Slim) |
1926 - 1959
A few of many song contributions:
"Corrina Blues", Matchbox Blues".
He was apparently blind from birth. His
first hit was, "Lonesome Blues" and
his contemporaties stressed the fact
that he was a true professional playing
for money only, finishing his songs as
soon as the money dried up. He
owned his own bank account and had
a chauffeured car, which at the time
was a major status. He never suffered
the hardships of the Depression.
"Corrina Blues", Matchbox Blues".
He was apparently blind from birth. His
first hit was, "Lonesome Blues" and
his contemporaties stressed the fact
that he was a true professional playing
for money only, finishing his songs as
soon as the money dried up. He
owned his own bank account and had
a chauffeured car, which at the time
was a major status. He never suffered
the hardships of the Depression.
| Blind Lemon Jefferson |
1897 - 1929
A few of many song contributions:
"Canned Heat Blues", "Big Road Blues.
Was born on a plantation near Terry,
Mississippi. Taught himself guitar and
played between his legs and behind
his head. His alcoholism, allied to the
Depression, limited his potential for a
successful blues career. He worked
mostly as a farm laborer for the rest of
his life, playing parties and juke joints
for spare money and the love of the
music. He died of a heart attack.
"Canned Heat Blues", "Big Road Blues.
Was born on a plantation near Terry,
Mississippi. Taught himself guitar and
played between his legs and behind
his head. His alcoholism, allied to the
Depression, limited his potential for a
successful blues career. He worked
mostly as a farm laborer for the rest of
his life, playing parties and juke joints
for spare money and the love of the
music. He died of a heart attack.
| Tommy Johnson |
1896 - 1956
The pioneers who contributed to the music known as the blues. I will be adding more artists as I
continually update my site. Thanx for taking the time to check it out. Regardless what anyone
says, the music artists make today, all stem on the basic blues theory. It's woven in the fabric of
our souls. It's what we are. And it's all good because it portrays us as a people, so be proud of it.
The musicians shown below are only a mere sampling of the multitude that contributed over the years. And yes, they
were all U.S. citizens. A vast number of them served in our armed forces, fighting for our freedom and the music. It's
very important that we look back to see who these people were! Some names you probably never heard of, some you
have. But in their era, they were big-time and to a point, each influenced each other. And guess what? Their music
still lives today in everything we play. Talk to any real musician today and they'll tell you about these cats.
It doesn't matter what music is being played today, somewhere, somehow, those old blues licks will be in it... ahhhhh!
In comparison to today:
Their songs aren't main-stream today. Their instruments were basic. Their amplification and technology was limited.
The reality:
They paved the way for everyone who came after them and showed us how it's done. All these men and women were
sheer genius! Given the limitations they had to work with in their day, it just goes to show how incredibly smart they
were. It was real. It was honest. And it was about feeling.
To me, it was an era in time that will never be duplicated. Today's music and artists will come and go. Future artists
and music will come and go. But everyone will always revert back to draw from these pioneers.
.... J.S. Hace - Webmaster and owner of this site.
continually update my site. Thanx for taking the time to check it out. Regardless what anyone
says, the music artists make today, all stem on the basic blues theory. It's woven in the fabric of
our souls. It's what we are. And it's all good because it portrays us as a people, so be proud of it.
The musicians shown below are only a mere sampling of the multitude that contributed over the years. And yes, they
were all U.S. citizens. A vast number of them served in our armed forces, fighting for our freedom and the music. It's
very important that we look back to see who these people were! Some names you probably never heard of, some you
have. But in their era, they were big-time and to a point, each influenced each other. And guess what? Their music
still lives today in everything we play. Talk to any real musician today and they'll tell you about these cats.
It doesn't matter what music is being played today, somewhere, somehow, those old blues licks will be in it... ahhhhh!
In comparison to today:
Their songs aren't main-stream today. Their instruments were basic. Their amplification and technology was limited.
The reality:
They paved the way for everyone who came after them and showed us how it's done. All these men and women were
sheer genius! Given the limitations they had to work with in their day, it just goes to show how incredibly smart they
were. It was real. It was honest. And it was about feeling.
To me, it was an era in time that will never be duplicated. Today's music and artists will come and go. Future artists
and music will come and go. But everyone will always revert back to draw from these pioneers.
.... J.S. Hace - Webmaster and owner of this site.
Song contributions are numerous. A
weekend player, he gathered together
his influences, including the "yodeling
brakeman", Jimmy Rogers, from whom
he got his falsetto "howl", which in
turn led to his nickname. He spent
much of his early life in the Delta region
and recorded for the first time in 1951.
But in the next ten years he became
the only serious rival to Muddy Waters.
Wolf died of complications to his
long-term kidney and heart conditions.
weekend player, he gathered together
his influences, including the "yodeling
brakeman", Jimmy Rogers, from whom
he got his falsetto "howl", which in
turn led to his nickname. He spent
much of his early life in the Delta region
and recorded for the first time in 1951.
But in the next ten years he became
the only serious rival to Muddy Waters.
Wolf died of complications to his
long-term kidney and heart conditions.
1910 - 1976
| Chester Burnett (a.k.a. Howlin' Wolf) |
| Hubert Sumlin |
1931 - Present
Sumlin laid the foundations of Howlin'
Wolf's trail blazing gigs and recordings
for over 20 years. Born in Greenwood,
Mississippi, he spent most of his youth
in Arkansas. After Wolf's death in 1976
he launched a solo career. He's listed
in Rolling Stone's, "100 Greatest
Guitarists of All Time". He is cited as a
major influence by many artists, such
as, Clapton, Keith Richards, Stevie Ray
Vaughn, Jimi Page and Jimi Hendrix.
His latest effort is, About Them Shoes",
released in 2005. Going strong in 2007.
Wolf's trail blazing gigs and recordings
for over 20 years. Born in Greenwood,
Mississippi, he spent most of his youth
in Arkansas. After Wolf's death in 1976
he launched a solo career. He's listed
in Rolling Stone's, "100 Greatest
Guitarists of All Time". He is cited as a
major influence by many artists, such
as, Clapton, Keith Richards, Stevie Ray
Vaughn, Jimi Page and Jimi Hendrix.
His latest effort is, About Them Shoes",
released in 2005. Going strong in 2007.
Born Alonzo Johnson in New Orleans,
he was the instrumental link between
blues and early forms of jazz. He often
accompanied Punch Miller and in 1917
visited Europe until 1919. In the
meantime, his family was annihilated
by the New Orleans influenza of that
year. He recorded extensively and was
part of such bands as Duke Ellington
and Louis Armstrong. His main gift
was in the area of melodic and
thematic improvisation. He died of
long-term effects being hit by a car.
he was the instrumental link between
blues and early forms of jazz. He often
accompanied Punch Miller and in 1917
visited Europe until 1919. In the
meantime, his family was annihilated
by the New Orleans influenza of that
year. He recorded extensively and was
part of such bands as Duke Ellington
and Louis Armstrong. His main gift
was in the area of melodic and
thematic improvisation. He died of
long-term effects being hit by a car.
1894 - 1970
Unfortunately a tragic loss to one of
the most influential blues pioneers.
Aside from all his contributions to the
blues and life, Mr. Lockwood was the
last living relative to the late Robert
Johnson. He moved to Cleveland,
Ohio in 1961, where he lived until his
death. During his time in Chicago in
the 1950's, he recorded with virtually
every top band, including Muddy
Waters, Little Walter and Sonny Boy
Williamson. His daughter is now
writing a book about his life. We truly
miss you, Mr. Lockwood.
the most influential blues pioneers.
Aside from all his contributions to the
blues and life, Mr. Lockwood was the
last living relative to the late Robert
Johnson. He moved to Cleveland,
Ohio in 1961, where he lived until his
death. During his time in Chicago in
the 1950's, he recorded with virtually
every top band, including Muddy
Waters, Little Walter and Sonny Boy
Williamson. His daughter is now
writing a book about his life. We truly
miss you, Mr. Lockwood.
1915 - 2006
Special thanks to
Mr. Lockwood's
friend, Bobby Davis,
who gave me this
rare and personal
photo.
Mr. Lockwood's
friend, Bobby Davis,
who gave me this
rare and personal
photo.
Memphis Minnie, a.k.a., Lizzie Douglas,
Minnie McCoy, was the first female
blues performer to achieve popularity
after Bessie Smith and Ma Rainey. She
was born the first of 13 children.
Minnie was the author of most of her
songs. In the 1950's, she suffered
setbacks in health, and at the close of
the decade, left the music business
and returned to to Memphis.
Overlooked by Bessie Smith and Ma
Rainey, she was an obscure figure at
the time of her death in 1973. But we
don't forget this blues legend!
Minnie McCoy, was the first female
blues performer to achieve popularity
after Bessie Smith and Ma Rainey. She
was born the first of 13 children.
Minnie was the author of most of her
songs. In the 1950's, she suffered
setbacks in health, and at the close of
the decade, left the music business
and returned to to Memphis.
Overlooked by Bessie Smith and Ma
Rainey, she was an obscure figure at
the time of her death in 1973. But we
don't forget this blues legend!
1897 - 1973
1894 - 1937
Without a doubt, the greatest and most
influential singer to emerge from the
blues idiom of the 1920's. She was
born in Chattanooga, TN from a large
family. Years later, she moved to Philly
and then New Jersey in 1922. After
years of singing, she was finally signed
by Okeh, debuting in 1923 with "Down
Hearted Blues". It was an immediate
hit, selling over 780,00 copies in six
months. Not long before the 1929
stock market crash, Bessie recorded
one of her greatest classics, "Nobody
Knows You When You're Down & Out".
influential singer to emerge from the
blues idiom of the 1920's. She was
born in Chattanooga, TN from a large
family. Years later, she moved to Philly
and then New Jersey in 1922. After
years of singing, she was finally signed
by Okeh, debuting in 1923 with "Down
Hearted Blues". It was an immediate
hit, selling over 780,00 copies in six
months. Not long before the 1929
stock market crash, Bessie recorded
one of her greatest classics, "Nobody
Knows You When You're Down & Out".
1954 - 1990
1954 - 1990
1954 - 1990
Stevie brought the blues back to the
mainstream and did it gangbusters!
Personally speaking, I've never seen
anybody play with the drive, intensity
or passion as he did. When Stevie
played, his guitar was an extension of
his soul. He once said he was a black
man trapped in a white man's body.
His "Live at the El-Macombo" video, is
the most incredible display of passion
and blues playing I ever saw!
Watching Stevie in that video, gives me
the inspiration to play. There will never
be another guitarist like him.
mainstream and did it gangbusters!
Personally speaking, I've never seen
anybody play with the drive, intensity
or passion as he did. When Stevie
played, his guitar was an extension of
his soul. He once said he was a black
man trapped in a white man's body.
His "Live at the El-Macombo" video, is
the most incredible display of passion
and blues playing I ever saw!
Watching Stevie in that video, gives me
the inspiration to play. There will never
be another guitarist like him.
Blind Willie was born William McTear in
Thomson, Georgia, but his name was
mispelled by a clerk. He learned to
read Braille and prided himself on his
education. He began his recording
career for Victor in 1927. One of his
early classics was Statesboro Blues,
covered by Taj Mahal and The Allman
Brothers. He travelled constantly with
other shows and on his own and
recorded prolifically between 1927 and
WWII. During the 1950's, he began
suffering the effects of diabetes and
died of a stroke in August of 1959.
Thomson, Georgia, but his name was
mispelled by a clerk. He learned to
read Braille and prided himself on his
education. He began his recording
career for Victor in 1927. One of his
early classics was Statesboro Blues,
covered by Taj Mahal and The Allman
Brothers. He travelled constantly with
other shows and on his own and
recorded prolifically between 1927 and
WWII. During the 1950's, he began
suffering the effects of diabetes and
died of a stroke in August of 1959.
| Lonnie Johnson |
| Robert Lockwood |
| Memphis Minie |
| Bessie Smith |
| Stevie Ray Vaughn |
| Blind Willie McTell |
1901 - 1959
Piano Red, (aka Dr. Feelgood) was
born in Hampton, Georgia. While
working as a furniture upolsterer he
taught himself piano and in 1936 he
made a series of 10 sides (tunes) with
Blind Willie McTell. All 10 remain
unissued. He didn't record again until
1950. He used the name Dr. Feelgood,
which produced the single, "Mr.
Moonlight", covered by The Beatles.
Later, Gerry & The Pacemakers
covered his, "The Right String But
Wrong Yo-Yo. He continued
performing and recording until his
death in 1985.
born in Hampton, Georgia. While
working as a furniture upolsterer he
taught himself piano and in 1936 he
made a series of 10 sides (tunes) with
Blind Willie McTell. All 10 remain
unissued. He didn't record again until
1950. He used the name Dr. Feelgood,
which produced the single, "Mr.
Moonlight", covered by The Beatles.
Later, Gerry & The Pacemakers
covered his, "The Right String But
Wrong Yo-Yo. He continued
performing and recording until his
death in 1985.
1911 - 1985
1942 - 1970
Jimi Hendrix was one of a kind, as like many of the other blues legends were. He was a
magic bubble that came along and transposed guitar playing forever. He took the blues and
sent it into the stratosphere! The rest is history.
magic bubble that came along and transposed guitar playing forever. He took the blues and
sent it into the stratosphere! The rest is history.
1914 - 1948
| The ORIGINAL Sonny Boy Williamson |
There's no doubt he virtually invented
the harmonica as a popular blues
instrument. Born in Jackson,
Tennessee, he learned how to play
when he was a boy. In 1931, he moved
to Yazoo City. In 1934 he then moved
to Chicago. He then landed his very
first cut with "Good Morning
Schoolgirl". He cut plenty of sides for
Bluebird records. His wife, Lacey
Belle, wrote many lyrics for him.
Tragically, he was robbed and
murdered while walking home after a
fishing trip from a night at the
Plantation club in southside Chicago
in June of 1948.
the harmonica as a popular blues
instrument. Born in Jackson,
Tennessee, he learned how to play
when he was a boy. In 1931, he moved
to Yazoo City. In 1934 he then moved
to Chicago. He then landed his very
first cut with "Good Morning
Schoolgirl". He cut plenty of sides for
Bluebird records. His wife, Lacey
Belle, wrote many lyrics for him.
Tragically, he was robbed and
murdered while walking home after a
fishing trip from a night at the
Plantation club in southside Chicago
in June of 1948.
| Sippie Wallace |
1898 - 1986
She was born, Beulah Thomas, in
Houston, Texas, into a musical family.
Her nickname was a family one,
bestowed upon her due to her
childhood lisp. Her first hit with Okeh
was "Up The Country". She married
one Matt Wallace and it was his
surname she used on her records. Her
move to Detroit and the onset of the
Depression, prematurely ended her
blues career. She did get back into it
in 1966 and 1967 and appeared and
recorded with Maria Muldaur and
Bonnie Raitt. In 1982 she release her
album, Sippie that was
Grammy-nominated. She died in 1986.
Houston, Texas, into a musical family.
Her nickname was a family one,
bestowed upon her due to her
childhood lisp. Her first hit with Okeh
was "Up The Country". She married
one Matt Wallace and it was his
surname she used on her records. Her
move to Detroit and the onset of the
Depression, prematurely ended her
blues career. She did get back into it
in 1966 and 1967 and appeared and
recorded with Maria Muldaur and
Bonnie Raitt. In 1982 she release her
album, Sippie that was
Grammy-nominated. She died in 1986.
Born in Mississippi but raised in Little
Rock Arkansas, Bill started out as a
sharecropper and came into music
playing fiddle at country dances before
serving in the armed forces during
WWI. After the war, he returned to
Arkansas, this time playing guitar.
During the 1920's he moved to
Chicago. While in Chicago he
switched to playing electric guitar. He
returned for awhile to Europe and
became especially popular in France.
His biography was published on both
side of the Atlantic in English and
French. He died of throat cancer in
1958.
Rock Arkansas, Bill started out as a
sharecropper and came into music
playing fiddle at country dances before
serving in the armed forces during
WWI. After the war, he returned to
Arkansas, this time playing guitar.
During the 1920's he moved to
Chicago. While in Chicago he
switched to playing electric guitar. He
returned for awhile to Europe and
became especially popular in France.
His biography was published on both
side of the Atlantic in English and
French. He died of throat cancer in
1958.
| Piano Red |
1893 - 1958
| "Big Bill" Broonzy |
Self taught like most prewar bluesmen,
"Blind Boy" Fuller was born Fulton
Allen in North Carolina. He was not
born blind and initially had no intention
of becoming a musician. In 1928 at the
age of 18, he met Cora Mae Martin who
was just 13 at the time and got married
a year later. By the end of the decade
he was totally blind, causes were never
established. In 1935 he went to N.Y.C.
and recorded for ARC, who changed
his name to Blind Boy Fuller. His
health failed quickly from kidney
disease. In 1941 he died at home ,
tended by his wife, Cora Mae. He was
only 34.
"Blind Boy" Fuller was born Fulton
Allen in North Carolina. He was not
born blind and initially had no intention
of becoming a musician. In 1928 at the
age of 18, he met Cora Mae Martin who
was just 13 at the time and got married
a year later. By the end of the decade
he was totally blind, causes were never
established. In 1935 he went to N.Y.C.
and recorded for ARC, who changed
his name to Blind Boy Fuller. His
health failed quickly from kidney
disease. In 1941 he died at home ,
tended by his wife, Cora Mae. He was
only 34.
1907 - 1941
| Blind Boy Fuller |
He was born, Johnnie Clyde Johnson
and began playing piano in 1928. He
joined the U.S. Marine Corps in WWII,
where he was a member of, The
Barracudas, an all serviceman
orchastra. By the early 1950's, he was
in St. Louis leading his own combo.
But on New Years Eve in 1952, he hired
a struggling guitarist named, Chuck
Berry to sit in. He played behind
Chuck Berry on many of Berry's hits.
In 1986, Keith Richards brought him
out of retirement to play the "Hail Hail
Rock & Roll" show. In the 90's he
played on Clapton's, 24 Nights tour.
So much more to read about this man.
and began playing piano in 1928. He
joined the U.S. Marine Corps in WWII,
where he was a member of, The
Barracudas, an all serviceman
orchastra. By the early 1950's, he was
in St. Louis leading his own combo.
But on New Years Eve in 1952, he hired
a struggling guitarist named, Chuck
Berry to sit in. He played behind
Chuck Berry on many of Berry's hits.
In 1986, Keith Richards brought him
out of retirement to play the "Hail Hail
Rock & Roll" show. In the 90's he
played on Clapton's, 24 Nights tour.
So much more to read about this man.
| Johnnie Johnson |
1924 - 2005
Big Joe followed the ways of the
musicians of his youth, he obeyed few
rules when it came to playing the
blues. He was born in Piney Woods,
Mississippi, the first of 16 children. He
went to Chicago in 1935 and recorded,
"Baby Please Don't Go", one of the
most covered songs in the blues
repertoire. He travelled across the U.S.
and Europe and recorded an album in
London in 1968. Williams relied on his
innate ability to continually renew the
old song patterns everytime he
stepped in front of the mic. He was
filmed on more than one occasion to
capture his unique style.
musicians of his youth, he obeyed few
rules when it came to playing the
blues. He was born in Piney Woods,
Mississippi, the first of 16 children. He
went to Chicago in 1935 and recorded,
"Baby Please Don't Go", one of the
most covered songs in the blues
repertoire. He travelled across the U.S.
and Europe and recorded an album in
London in 1968. Williams relied on his
innate ability to continually renew the
old song patterns everytime he
stepped in front of the mic. He was
filmed on more than one occasion to
capture his unique style.
| Big Joe Williams |
1903 - 1982
Though listed as being born in 1906 in
Arkansas, he claimed to have been
born in St. Louis in 1913. His piano
style of playing has been the basis for
every blues pianist of note ever since.
From the age of 12 he took his piano
playing seriously and was discovered
by Okeh in 1929. He recorded under a
number of pseudonyms, such as Willie
Kelly and Honey Dripper. Sykes
moved to Chicago in 1941 then moved
to New Orleans and spent the most of
the 1950's there. He was rediscovered
in 1960 by Chris Albertson while still
playing regularly. The relaunch led to a
non-stop schedule of concerts until his
death in 1984.
Arkansas, he claimed to have been
born in St. Louis in 1913. His piano
style of playing has been the basis for
every blues pianist of note ever since.
From the age of 12 he took his piano
playing seriously and was discovered
by Okeh in 1929. He recorded under a
number of pseudonyms, such as Willie
Kelly and Honey Dripper. Sykes
moved to Chicago in 1941 then moved
to New Orleans and spent the most of
the 1950's there. He was rediscovered
in 1960 by Chris Albertson while still
playing regularly. The relaunch led to a
non-stop schedule of concerts until his
death in 1984.
1913 - 1984
| Roosevelt Sykes |
Lucille was one of the toughest
characters among the blues singers.
Blessed with a big expressive voice
and often a blatantly risque' nature,
she recorded into the 1930's under the
name of Bessie Jackson. The subject
of many of her songs were of poverty,
prostitution and the search for sexual
satisfaction from both men and
women. Her, "Tricks Ain't Walkin' No
More" are one of many references to
prostitution in her work and later
became something of a blues anthem
to the world's oldest profession. She
mostly used a pianist as an
accompaniment. She died in Los
Angeles in 1948 of heart failure.
characters among the blues singers.
Blessed with a big expressive voice
and often a blatantly risque' nature,
she recorded into the 1930's under the
name of Bessie Jackson. The subject
of many of her songs were of poverty,
prostitution and the search for sexual
satisfaction from both men and
women. Her, "Tricks Ain't Walkin' No
More" are one of many references to
prostitution in her work and later
became something of a blues anthem
to the world's oldest profession. She
mostly used a pianist as an
accompaniment. She died in Los
Angeles in 1948 of heart failure.
1897 - 1948
| Lucille Bogan |
| Fred McDowell |
Born in Rossville, Tennessee, he
became interested in guitar in his teens
but never owned his own instrument.
Years later, he moved to Mississippi to
pick cotton. It was there he learned
songs from Charlie Patton. In 1940 he
finally got his own guitar. At the age of
55, a blues documenter discovered him
and enabled his first recordings to be
made. In the late 1960's his song, "You
Gotta Move" was covered by the
Rollings Stones. Now in his mid 60's,
he made more money from royalties
than anything else before in his life. He
continued to tour and record up to his
death from cancer in 1972.
became interested in guitar in his teens
but never owned his own instrument.
Years later, he moved to Mississippi to
pick cotton. It was there he learned
songs from Charlie Patton. In 1940 he
finally got his own guitar. At the age of
55, a blues documenter discovered him
and enabled his first recordings to be
made. In the late 1960's his song, "You
Gotta Move" was covered by the
Rollings Stones. Now in his mid 60's,
he made more money from royalties
than anything else before in his life. He
continued to tour and record up to his
death from cancer in 1972.
1904 - 1972
Oden's reputation rests maily on his
prowess as a singer but played piano
many years in the St Louis area, hence
his nickname. He was also known as,
Old Man Oden and Poor Boy. He was
born James Burke Oden in Nashville.
His most sustained success was
during the post war years in Chicago,
where he was supplying songs to a
range of artists, from Little Walter to
Otis Spann. Always dissatisfied with
his own playing, he performed with his
friend, Roosevelt Sykes. Most of his
1960's material remains unreleased
although it features Homesick James
and Washboard Sam. Fewer than 100
records were released in over 30 years.
prowess as a singer but played piano
many years in the St Louis area, hence
his nickname. He was also known as,
Old Man Oden and Poor Boy. He was
born James Burke Oden in Nashville.
His most sustained success was
during the post war years in Chicago,
where he was supplying songs to a
range of artists, from Little Walter to
Otis Spann. Always dissatisfied with
his own playing, he performed with his
friend, Roosevelt Sykes. Most of his
1960's material remains unreleased
although it features Homesick James
and Washboard Sam. Fewer than 100
records were released in over 30 years.
1903 - 1977
| St. Louis Jimmy Oden |
Self-taught and unconventional in the
extreme in terms of technique, he
played left-handed with the guitar
strung upside down. Born Albert
Nelson in Mississippi, he sang gospel
before discovering the blues via the
recordings of Blind Lemon Jefferson.
The combination of blues and boogie
were a fascination to him and now
played under the name of Albert King.
He played drums for Jimmy Reed and
quit music until 1959 and moved to St.
Louis. His career stuttered until he
signed with the Stax label in 1965. He
played with the Memphis label's house
band and had hit after hit after hit. A
heart attack killed him in 1992.
extreme in terms of technique, he
played left-handed with the guitar
strung upside down. Born Albert
Nelson in Mississippi, he sang gospel
before discovering the blues via the
recordings of Blind Lemon Jefferson.
The combination of blues and boogie
were a fascination to him and now
played under the name of Albert King.
He played drums for Jimmy Reed and
quit music until 1959 and moved to St.
Louis. His career stuttered until he
signed with the Stax label in 1965. He
played with the Memphis label's house
band and had hit after hit after hit. A
heart attack killed him in 1992.
1923 - 1992
| Albert King |
Peetie was a product of the dark-hued
St. Louis school of blues. Enjoying the
associations on record with Charlie
Jordan, Kokomo Arnold and Lonnie
Johnson in the 1930's, he became one
of th most prolifically recorded of the
1930's blues artists. Basing himself in
East St. Louis' "valley" district, he
adopted his recording name as Peetie
Wheatstraw, the Devil's son-in-law. By
late 1930's, he began recording for
Vocalion in Chicago until one month
before his death in an auto accident
colliding with a train in December 1941.
His subject matter was mostly lowlife
and one of the first bluesmen to
concentrate on the fate of hoboes and
the unemployed.
St. Louis school of blues. Enjoying the
associations on record with Charlie
Jordan, Kokomo Arnold and Lonnie
Johnson in the 1930's, he became one
of th most prolifically recorded of the
1930's blues artists. Basing himself in
East St. Louis' "valley" district, he
adopted his recording name as Peetie
Wheatstraw, the Devil's son-in-law. By
late 1930's, he began recording for
Vocalion in Chicago until one month
before his death in an auto accident
colliding with a train in December 1941.
His subject matter was mostly lowlife
and one of the first bluesmen to
concentrate on the fate of hoboes and
the unemployed.
1924 - 2005
| Peetie Wheatstraw |
Davis was a pianist and singer born in
Granada, Mississippi. He spent his
early years subjected to harsh
treatment from his family and at the age
of 13, decamped to St. Louis. He
learned blues piano and began
scraping for a living. It was there he
teamed up with Henry Townsend were
Roosevelt Sykes noted his playing and
recommened him to Victor records.
His first session was with Sykes and
Big Bill Broonzy. In 1953 his music
provoked litte interest to the public and
took up preaching. He suffered a
stroke and later died of a heart attack.
Walter was always impeccably dressed
and had to work hard to get away from
his rough St. Louis upbringing.
Granada, Mississippi. He spent his
early years subjected to harsh
treatment from his family and at the age
of 13, decamped to St. Louis. He
learned blues piano and began
scraping for a living. It was there he
teamed up with Henry Townsend were
Roosevelt Sykes noted his playing and
recommened him to Victor records.
His first session was with Sykes and
Big Bill Broonzy. In 1953 his music
provoked litte interest to the public and
took up preaching. He suffered a
stroke and later died of a heart attack.
Walter was always impeccably dressed
and had to work hard to get away from
his rough St. Louis upbringing.
1912 - 1963
| Walter Davis |
| Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup |
Born in Mississippi, he made his move
to music at almost 40. He unknowingly
provided a vital link between the
old-style country blues and rock 'n roll
music. Completely self-taught, he
played instruments so damaged he
could barely hold strings down on the
fretboard. He moved to Chicago in
1939, penniless and sleeping on the
streets. An RCA talent scout heard him
playing in the streets and signed him.
His hits included, My Baby Left Me,
Rock Me Mama and That's All Right.
But he was cheated out of his royalties
when Elvis Presley made his, That's
Alright song popular worldwide, along
with others he actually wrote. He died
of a stroke in Virginia in 1974.
to music at almost 40. He unknowingly
provided a vital link between the
old-style country blues and rock 'n roll
music. Completely self-taught, he
played instruments so damaged he
could barely hold strings down on the
fretboard. He moved to Chicago in
1939, penniless and sleeping on the
streets. An RCA talent scout heard him
playing in the streets and signed him.
His hits included, My Baby Left Me,
Rock Me Mama and That's All Right.
But he was cheated out of his royalties
when Elvis Presley made his, That's
Alright song popular worldwide, along
with others he actually wrote. He died
of a stroke in Virginia in 1974.
1905 - 1974
She was born in Spartanburg, South
Carolina and went into the traveling
shows through the south. She came to
NYC in the 1920's and became an
established act at the Harlem clubs and
opened her own, Clara Smith
Theatrical Club in 1924. Prior to that,
she already released her "I've Got A
Woman Needs" and "Every Woman's
Blues" tunes. Clara's specialty was
her risque' song versions of the
popular songs of the day. She
recorded through the 20's and 30's and
her last session featured versions of
"So Long Jim. She recorded with
Louie Armstrong, Lonnie Johnson,
Charlie Green, Coleman Hawkins and
Don Redman.
Carolina and went into the traveling
shows through the south. She came to
NYC in the 1920's and became an
established act at the Harlem clubs and
opened her own, Clara Smith
Theatrical Club in 1924. Prior to that,
she already released her "I've Got A
Woman Needs" and "Every Woman's
Blues" tunes. Clara's specialty was
her risque' song versions of the
popular songs of the day. She
recorded through the 20's and 30's and
her last session featured versions of
"So Long Jim. She recorded with
Louie Armstrong, Lonnie Johnson,
Charlie Green, Coleman Hawkins and
Don Redman.
1894 - 1935
| Clara Smith |
Eddy was one of Chicago's most
valued gutarits. He appeared with
many top bands, especially Jimmy
Reed, where he contributed a
distinctive Delta sound to nearly all of
Reed's hits. Born in Benoit,
Mississippi, he was nursed by his
mom's friend Memphis Minnie from
infancy. He absorbed Minnie's playing
along with Charlie Patton, Son House
and many others. He checked out
every bluesman in sight or earshot. By
his late teens he could imitate virtually
any bluesmen of the day including Big
Boy Crudup and Petie Wheatstraw. He
met locals like B.B. King and Johnny
Shines. He largely remained a sideman
throughout his career but played
sessions with Elmore James, Johnny
Lee Hooker and Roosevelt Sikes.
valued gutarits. He appeared with
many top bands, especially Jimmy
Reed, where he contributed a
distinctive Delta sound to nearly all of
Reed's hits. Born in Benoit,
Mississippi, he was nursed by his
mom's friend Memphis Minnie from
infancy. He absorbed Minnie's playing
along with Charlie Patton, Son House
and many others. He checked out
every bluesman in sight or earshot. By
his late teens he could imitate virtually
any bluesmen of the day including Big
Boy Crudup and Petie Wheatstraw. He
met locals like B.B. King and Johnny
Shines. He largely remained a sideman
throughout his career but played
sessions with Elmore James, Johnny
Lee Hooker and Roosevelt Sikes.
| Eddy Taylor |
1923 - 1985
Handy's role in the propagation of
blues is not without controversy. His
early status as "Father Of The Blues", a
title he himself endorsed by using it for
his autobiography has been under
constant scrutiny in the decades after
his death. He was sufficiently on the
ball to incorporate blues elements into
the music of his bands and collected
blues material on his travels and
publish some of the earliest blues
songs. A song written in 1908 as, Mr.
Crump was in 1912 published as
"Memphis Blues", it's blues roots very
shallow. Lore has it WC took Jelly Roll
Morton's jazz & St. Louis Blues and
wove them into his own composition.
An accident left him blind in 1943. He
spent the rest of his life writing his
biography. The origin of blues lives on.
blues is not without controversy. His
early status as "Father Of The Blues", a
title he himself endorsed by using it for
his autobiography has been under
constant scrutiny in the decades after
his death. He was sufficiently on the
ball to incorporate blues elements into
the music of his bands and collected
blues material on his travels and
publish some of the earliest blues
songs. A song written in 1908 as, Mr.
Crump was in 1912 published as
"Memphis Blues", it's blues roots very
shallow. Lore has it WC took Jelly Roll
Morton's jazz & St. Louis Blues and
wove them into his own composition.
An accident left him blind in 1943. He
spent the rest of his life writing his
biography. The origin of blues lives on.
| W. C. Handy |
1873 - 1958
Guitarist/singer Charley Jordan was an
important figure on the 1920's St. Louis
blues scene, often teaming up with
Pettie Wheetstraw. Jordan was born in
Mabelville, Arkansas and taught
himself guitar. He saw service in the
armed forces in WWI and returned as a
bluesman in civilian life. He got on the
wrong side of the wrong sort of people
in 1928 and was crippled in a
punishing shooting from his meddling
in some bootlegging business. Now
sticking to music, he began his solo
recording career in 1930 and recorded
until 1937. After that, he mixed his
business and music talents to keep
himself going and gradually removed
himself from the music scene. He died
in St. Louis in 1954. His recorded
legacy speaks for itself.
important figure on the 1920's St. Louis
blues scene, often teaming up with
Pettie Wheetstraw. Jordan was born in
Mabelville, Arkansas and taught
himself guitar. He saw service in the
armed forces in WWI and returned as a
bluesman in civilian life. He got on the
wrong side of the wrong sort of people
in 1928 and was crippled in a
punishing shooting from his meddling
in some bootlegging business. Now
sticking to music, he began his solo
recording career in 1930 and recorded
until 1937. After that, he mixed his
business and music talents to keep
himself going and gradually removed
himself from the music scene. He died
in St. Louis in 1954. His recorded
legacy speaks for itself.
1890 - 1954
| Charley Jordan |
Sonny Terry was not only one of the
greatest harmonica players, but one of
the best known musical figures in the
world up until the time of his death. He
was inspired by his father who was
into dance music and spirituals, but
Sonny was attracted to the blues. Two
accidents, one at the age of 5 and
another at the age of 18, deprived him
of his sight. He met up with Blind Boy
Fuller and the two recorded together.
Terry got noticed by John Hammond
who added him to his Carnegie Hall gig
in 1938. He worked with Brownie
McGhee and toured as a duo. A stint
with McGhee from 1956-1958 in, Cat On
A Hot Tin Roof, gave them a
momentum they never lost. During the
1960's, they became a fixture of
student campuses and coffee houses
and festivals all over the world.
greatest harmonica players, but one of
the best known musical figures in the
world up until the time of his death. He
was inspired by his father who was
into dance music and spirituals, but
Sonny was attracted to the blues. Two
accidents, one at the age of 5 and
another at the age of 18, deprived him
of his sight. He met up with Blind Boy
Fuller and the two recorded together.
Terry got noticed by John Hammond
who added him to his Carnegie Hall gig
in 1938. He worked with Brownie
McGhee and toured as a duo. A stint
with McGhee from 1956-1958 in, Cat On
A Hot Tin Roof, gave them a
momentum they never lost. During the
1960's, they became a fixture of
student campuses and coffee houses
and festivals all over the world.
1911 - 1986
| Sonny Terry |
James Williamson was from
Somerville, Tennessee and his style
was formed at a time when the classic
Delta blues tradition was still in
process. Coming from a musical
family, he turned to guitar and was self
taught. On the road he met other
players like Big Joe Williams and this
experience helped form his own style.
By the 1930's he was able to form his
own band around Memphis. Moving to
Chicago in the 1950's he began playing
with his cousin, Elmore James learning
much about bottle-neck slide. He
played with Elmore until his death in
1963 then had to take a day job to
make ends meet. Getting back to
recording in the 1960's on various
labels, he traveled to Europe in 1970
with the American Blues Festival and
built a fan base there.
Somerville, Tennessee and his style
was formed at a time when the classic
Delta blues tradition was still in
process. Coming from a musical
family, he turned to guitar and was self
taught. On the road he met other
players like Big Joe Williams and this
experience helped form his own style.
By the 1930's he was able to form his
own band around Memphis. Moving to
Chicago in the 1950's he began playing
with his cousin, Elmore James learning
much about bottle-neck slide. He
played with Elmore until his death in
1963 then had to take a day job to
make ends meet. Getting back to
recording in the 1960's on various
labels, he traveled to Europe in 1970
with the American Blues Festival and
built a fan base there.
1905 - 2006
John spent virtually the whole of his
life within the small village of Avalon,
Mississippi. He claimed to start learing
guitar in 1903 when he was 10 years
old. His early music was mostly
pre-war blues style. He made his living
mostly from farm work. In 1920 he
teamed up with a fiddle player named,
Willie Narmour. This led to his brief
brush with recording as a
recommendation from Narmour. Two
sessions resulted in 1928 but only half
the material was ever issued. He sank
into obscurity until Tom Hoskins went
looking for him in 1963. Hoskins
convinced him the public wanted to
hear him again. He appeared at that
year's Newport Folk Festival and made
his first LP for Vangaurd. He died in
1966, one of the most celebrated of the
latter-day country-blues rediscoveries.
life within the small village of Avalon,
Mississippi. He claimed to start learing
guitar in 1903 when he was 10 years
old. His early music was mostly
pre-war blues style. He made his living
mostly from farm work. In 1920 he
teamed up with a fiddle player named,
Willie Narmour. This led to his brief
brush with recording as a
recommendation from Narmour. Two
sessions resulted in 1928 but only half
the material was ever issued. He sank
into obscurity until Tom Hoskins went
looking for him in 1963. Hoskins
convinced him the public wanted to
hear him again. He appeared at that
year's Newport Folk Festival and made
his first LP for Vangaurd. He died in
1966, one of the most celebrated of the
latter-day country-blues rediscoveries.
1893 - 1966
Jimmy Reed was one of the most
successful bluesmen of the entire
postwar period and most influential.
He also had a big impact on the 1960's
big-beat scene. He was born in
Dunleith, Mississippi. Eddie Taylor
was his constant companion while
teaching Reed the rudiments of guitar
technique. He moved to Chicago in
1943 and was inducted into the war
effort serving in the Navy. By the
1950's, both Reed and Taylor played
bars in Chicago. Chess records turned
him down but Albert King showed him
the way to the Vee Jay label. He was
always a heavy drinker and in the
1960's started slipping into alcoholism.
By the early 1970's, he was no longer
capable of sustaining a full-time career.
Jimmy died in 1976.
successful bluesmen of the entire
postwar period and most influential.
He also had a big impact on the 1960's
big-beat scene. He was born in
Dunleith, Mississippi. Eddie Taylor
was his constant companion while
teaching Reed the rudiments of guitar
technique. He moved to Chicago in
1943 and was inducted into the war
effort serving in the Navy. By the
1950's, both Reed and Taylor played
bars in Chicago. Chess records turned
him down but Albert King showed him
the way to the Vee Jay label. He was
always a heavy drinker and in the
1960's started slipping into alcoholism.
By the early 1970's, he was no longer
capable of sustaining a full-time career.
Jimmy died in 1976.
1925 - 1976
| Jimmy Reed |
| Mississippi John Hurt |
| Homesick James |
1912 - 1982
One of the blues greatest talents. Born
in Piney Woords territory, East Texas.
He claims to have accompanied Blind
Mellon Jefferson when he was young.
A period in jail in the 1930's interrupted
his career but on his release, he got
married and spent time sharecropping
near Dallas. Afterwards, he and Texas
Alexander teamed up in Houston but
had to wait till 1946 before Aladdin tried
them in the studio. He went on to LA to
record, but Alexander never made the
trip. He was substituted by pianist and
singer, Wilson Smith, dubbed as
"Thunder" while Sam became
"Lightnin". Hopkins relied on his
spontaneous creativity to keep him
ahead of the game. As the 1960's
progressed, Hopkins moved into the
most successful phase of his career.
He died of cancer in 1982.
in Piney Woords territory, East Texas.
He claims to have accompanied Blind
Mellon Jefferson when he was young.
A period in jail in the 1930's interrupted
his career but on his release, he got
married and spent time sharecropping
near Dallas. Afterwards, he and Texas
Alexander teamed up in Houston but
had to wait till 1946 before Aladdin tried
them in the studio. He went on to LA to
record, but Alexander never made the
trip. He was substituted by pianist and
singer, Wilson Smith, dubbed as
"Thunder" while Sam became
"Lightnin". Hopkins relied on his
spontaneous creativity to keep him
ahead of the game. As the 1960's
progressed, Hopkins moved into the
most successful phase of his career.
He died of cancer in 1982.