His earliest known recordings are some gospel tracks cut with Memphis Minnie in 1930, although they did not bring him success and he continued to odd-job around, gaining some success as a boxer. In 1937 Big Bill Broonzy asked him to come to Chicago, however on the way he got in some trouble, ending up shooting a man and going to Parchman Farm Prison.... (it wouldn't be a proper blues story without some mysterious criminal activity, right?)
In prison he recorded some tracks for musicologists John and Alan Lomax, and by the time he was released in 1940 he had a full set of 12 songs to record. He went into facotry work during the war and somewhat off the radar, but when Dylan covered 'Fixin to Die Blues' blues enthusiasts John Fahey and Ed Denson went on the search for him and he was discovered in Memphis and brought to play in the coffee shops of the New York folk circuit.
He gained notoriety as an exciting performer and influenced generations of musicians, playing and recording until his death in 1977.
You can see from the videos below, especially Aberdeen Mississippi Blues how he must have blown away the other guitarists at the time. Strong, powerful and adventurous in his playing, it doesn't sound like just one man and a National guitar. To me he is the perfect combination, all the rough masculinity of Howlin Wolf, with the presence of Son House and the playful humour of Sonny Boy Williamson. And that voice.....
Enjoy.
Awesome percussive style on Aberdeen Missippi Blues
Amazing Lomax video of Bukka and Chester Burnett AKA Howlin Wolf, sharing a laugh and a song
'Jelly Roll Blues', classic scene and Booker in good humour.... 'Take it easy now Booker' at 0.22 seconds :)
'Fixin' To Die Blues'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6TAt-2bYE0
QI- He gave a guitar as a gift to a young cousin of his, later to be blues legend, BB King
QI- He gave a guitar as a gift to a young cousin of his, later to be blues legend, BB King
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