Leon Henry Buck was the first-born child to Ulysses Simpson Grant Buck and Janie Buck in Clarksville, Tennessee on April 15, 1916. He had seven brothers and sisters and attended racially segregated schools in Clarksville. In each step of his educational experiences, he graduated with … Read MoreLeon Henry Buck (1916-1976)
Composer, lyricist, blues singer Clarence George Carter was born blind on January 14, 1936, in Montgomery, Alabama. He attended the Alabama School for the Blind in Talladega, Alabama, and began guitar lessons when he was 9. Carter graduated from high school in 1954. Afterward, he … Read MoreClarence Carter (1936- )
Composer, pianist/ singer Ivory Joe Hunter was born on October 10, 1914, in Kirbyville, Texas to Dave Hunter, a blues guitarist, and Anna Smith Hunter, a pianist/ gospel singer. Ivory began piano lessons at age 5 with his mother. After his mother died when he … Read MoreIvory Joe Hunter (1914-1974)
The Chambers Brothers, comprising four brothers, were reared in rural Lee County, Mississippi. Their parents were George Chambers Sr., a farmer, and Victoria Chambers, a seamstress, although both were sharecroppers. There were 13 children. The ensemble members were brothers George Jr., who played the washtub … Read MoreThe Chambers Brothers (1954-1975)
Memphis Minnie, known as the “Queen of the Blues,” was a singer, guitarist, and songwriter. Her title stems from her legacy of successfully recording music across four decades as well as being the lone female voice in a male dominated blues scene. Memphis Minnie was … Read MoreMemphis Minnie (1887-1973)
Chester Arthur Burnett, better known by his stage name Howlin’ Wolf, was a blues performer and bandleader born in White Station, Mississippi to Leon “Dock” and Gertrude Young Burnett. He was married to Lillie Burnett and is survived by two stepchildren, Barbra Marks and Bettye … Read MoreHowlin’ Wolf/Chester Arthur Burnett (1910-1976)
Odetta, an American folk singer and social activist during the civil rights movement, was born in Birmingham, Alabama on December 31, 1930. Odetta was born to Rueben, a steel worker, and Flora (Saunders) Holmes. Her father died in 1936, and as a result her mother … Read MoreOdetta (1930-2008)
Image Ownership: 33stradale (CC BY-SA 3.0) Sam “Lightnin’” Hopkins, blues singer, guitarist, and songwriter, was born in Centerville, Texas in 1912 to sharecropping parents whose exact identities are unknown. At eight, Hopkins met legendary bluesman Blind Lemon Jefferson at a social function in Buffalo, Texas. … Read MoreSam “Lightnin’” Hopkins (1912-1982)
Singer and guitarist John Lee Hooker was best known for his unique style of Delta Blues, known as “talking blues.” He had a long and successful career, which was revitalized as he turned 80 with two Grammy Awards. His influence can be seen in today’s … Read MoreJohn Lee Hooker (1917-2001)
Although he struggled throughout his life to produce a sufficient income, Big Bill Broonzy played an integral role in launching the global popularity of Southern blues. Born to sharecropper parents on June 26, 1893 in Scott, Mississippi, Broonzy grew up in Mississippi and Arkansas. As … Read MoreWilliam Lee Conley “Big Bill” Broonzy (1893-1958)
