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An American Roots Music Timeline
I know how much people like timelines….
Roots Music
Since our blues timeline was so popular, here is a follow up for a timeline based on American Roots Music. Naturally, this timeline does not have everything listed. Similar to the blues timeline, it simply provides a starting point into the timeline of American Roots Music.
If you would like to see updates, comment on this post, and I will add them to the timeline.
Enjoy!
12
Charley Patton Census Records
Census Records Shed Light on Charley (Charlie) Patton
Charlie Patton
Recently, a reader of this site by the name of Jeff Giambrone came across some interesting information, and passed it along to me.
To my knowledge, this information has not been published before.
Census Records have been discovered for Charley Patton (spelled Charlie) in the 1900 Census Records for Hinds County. They show Charlie living with his parents and siblings.
These documents also provide more insight into his actual birthdate, which has been a mystery for years, as well as a possible connection to his birthplace.
Read more below to see images of the actual records, and see why this information is so important.
9
NEW Robert Johnson Census Records
Records are Found That Rewrite History
Robert Johnson
Well, Steve LaVere has done it again.
Although he has done a lot, Steve is most notably credited with discovering what is believed to be the true final resting place of Robert Johnson. Now he has done it again – in issue #203 of Living Blues Magazine.
In the article, Steve reveals that he has found more never before seen documentation on Robert Johnson. These come in the form of census records, discovered in an unusual area. Seeing Johnson in both the 1920 and 1930 census records is very eye opening, especially to a Johnson scholar.
The information haunting, chilling, and most notably, sheds more light on the man that was Robert Johnson.
7
"Blind WIllie" McTell aka Georgia Sam: A Profile
Blind Willie McTell
Old Blind Willie Could Play Them Blues
Though he wasn’t from the Delta, per se, he could play those country blues. “Blind Willie” McTell was one of the great blues musicians of the 1920s and 1930s. Displaying an extraordinary range on the twelve-string guitar, this Atlanta-based musician recorded more than 120 titles during fourteen recording sessions. His voice was soft and expressive, and his musical tastes were influenced by southern blues, ragtime, gospel, hillbilly, and popular music.
At a time when most blues musicians were poorly educated and rarely traveled, McTell was an exception. He could read and write music in Braille. He traveled often from Atlanta to New York City, frequently alone. As a person faced with a physical disability and social inequities, he expressed in his music a strong confidence in dealing with the everyday world.
5
Robert Curtis Smith: A New Old Bluesman
Robert Curtis Smith, also recorded as RC Smith, is the Real Deal
Robert Curtis Smith
You can download the album(free) by following this link.
A classis story of a blues artist, Robert Curtis Smith – or “RC” as he was affectionately known – was the real deal. Born in 1930 in Mississippi, Smith supported his family with hard labor and hunting rabbits.
He was heavily influenced by Big Bill Broonzy, as was discovered by chance in a barber shop. Later, during the blues explosion of the sixties, he was re-recorded in 1962, but he failed to capture the ears of the predominantly whiter audience of the blues.
by 1969, Smith would give up the blues all together, and reunite with the church. Little more is known of him – but if he’s alive, he would be 79 years old, and live either outside Clarksdale or in the Yazoo area.
2
Hound Dog Taylor – Everyone Knows the Hound
Everyone Knows the Hound! Did you Know He is Responsible for Alligator Records?
Taylor had 6 fingers on both hands... at first
Hound Dog Taylor is one of the lesser known, but most influential bluesmen of his time. Some say he was a pioneer of rock and roll, some say he was the first ever artist to shape modern punk.
The fact remains, however, that Hound Dog was a great musician, and an interesting character. Below is a look at Hound Dog’s life through the eyes of eye witnesses, reports, and first hand accounts.
If you haven’t seen Hound Dog play live, you should check him out here before you read the story. It will make for a more interesting read.
