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A Blues Historical Timeline
Blues History
Important Dates in the Blues
Often times I have people asking me about certain dates when it comes to the blues. So I decided, after reading a book about Blues that contained a very intricate blues timeline, that I would share a basic blues timeline on this site for those that were unaware.
This particular timeline was first posted at Mojo Hand, an online Blues store. I decided to re-post it for all those blues fans out there.
It may not have all the dates here, but it is definitely a great place to start. Moving forward, I invite readers to comment on this post, and request dates be added. I will add them as fast as I can…
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Willie Brown's Burial Place
Willie Brown Grave
M and O Blues - WIllie Brown
Willie Brown, perhaps one of the greatest bluesman, is buried in an unmarked grave in Prichard, MS.
In the near future, we will begin to raise money to erect a memorial headstone for Willie Brown, located in Good Shepherd Church Cemetery, his final resting place.
Born in Clarksdale, MS, Brown was not a self-promoting frontman. Instead, he chose to play and support some of the greatest of all time. This includes Charley Patton, Son House, Robert Johnson, and a whole lot more.
Though there was some confusion to his early identity, Brown played with Son House continually for years. Actually, when Brown died, Son House put down his guitar and his music for over 12 years due to his death.
Read more to discover the location of his grave, directions how to get there, and a few known pictures of the location.
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Robert Johnson Recording Set Up and Location
We know he recorded November 23, 1936. Now we know the how. But the where….
Robert Johnson
We all know that good old Robert Johnson had his first recording session that faithful day in November, 1936. But still, a lot of speculation has recently emerged about that session.
Of course, there are the rumors of turning his back to the audience (the next group of musicians to record), and now there is speculation as to where this recording was actually done.
Read this article and see a diagram of Robert Johnson’s recording session, regardless of the place. Read on to discover more information about this historical recording session.
Where exactly was he recorded? What is corner loading? How was the room set up?
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Recording Furry Lewis at His Home
As Told by Terry Manning, Who Recorded Furry in His Home on 4th Street.
Furry Lewis
This is the story, as told by Terry Manning, of that faithful day in 1969 when he went to the home of Furry Lewis, and recorded him in his room, on his bed.
It is a great story, and definitely part of the blues revival. In 1998 Terry decided to write of his experiences, and I do believe a book is either coming soon, or is already out.
Enjoy the recap of one of the blues recordings moments in history.
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Bukka White Court Documents- He was a Lifer!
Bukka White Was Sentenced to Life in Jail – What Happened?
Bukka White
Bukka White was actually sentenced to life imprison at Parchmans Prison for committing murder. Bukka (Which by the way, is a mis-pronunciation of the his first name, Booker) Was actually released from prison shortly after his conviction.
Of course, living the life of a bluesman in the prewar south was as dangerous as it gets – it was very common for fights to break out, which eventually would lead to murders. Sheriffs were often called out to juke joints to break up disturbances, or drunken arguments.
Read on to see what happened to Bukka White, why he was sent to prison, and how he managed to be -legally – set free.
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508 Park Ave – Safe for Now?
508 Park Ave
Is 508 Park Safe? Well, for now.
508 Park Ave, the building in Dallas where Robert Johnson and other famous musicians recorded, was up on the chopping block for demolition. Turns out, the property may actually be saved – for now.
Read more on the update to some of our previous entries, and learn how 508 Park and blues fans have won the battle, but not the war – yet.
Turns out there is a shred of hope.
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Henry Stuckey and Bentonia Blues
Skip James
Henry Stuckey and Bentonia Blues
Everyone has to learn from someone. However, sometimes, a style is so well put together, that the style itself becomes part of history. Such is the story of the Bentonia School – a style of guitar made famous by Skip James. But was Skip the originator? hardly, he learned from a man named Henry Stuckey. As rumor goes, Henry actually learned the open D minor guitat tuning from two soldiers in France.
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Parchman Prison
If ever a prison had the blues, this is it….
Working on Parchman Farm
Mississippi State Penitentiary, also known as Parchman Farm, is the oldest prison and the only maximum security facility for men in Mississippi. It was built in 1901, houses almost 5,000 inmates, and has its roots deeply seated in the blues.
The most notable recording was by Bukka White, with “Parchman Farm.” However, many famous people have come to stay at Parchmans, including Elvis’s father. Actually, the first known photo of Elvis is of him inside the facility.
Things were not always quite so cozy inside the prison though.
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2009 Trip Write-up and Pictures Available!
Check em out!
2009 Trip Photos
The 2009 Blues Trip was a success – thanks go out to all those who supported us, and followed along on Twitter.
A Write-up of the trip and the Photos from the trip – well, 59 photos of the 400 total – are now available.
Simply click here to see the photos, read the write-up, and view our sponsors.
All in all, it was another great weekend in the Delta.
