You all know Skip James, one of the founding fathers of the blues. But did you know he wrote this familiar song? In case you don't recognize the song, dig out that classic rock station and listen for the Cream with Eric Clapton. Thanks to Skip we have the blues...thanks to Eric we have the chance to hear it!
Nehemiah Curtis "Skip" James (June 9, 1902 – October 3, 1969) was an American Delta blues singer, guitarist, pianist and songwriter, born in Bentonia, Mississippi, died in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
He first learned to play guitar from another bluesman from the area, Henry Stuckey. His guitar playing is noted for its dark, minor sound, played in an open D-minor tuning with an intricate fingerpicking technique. James first recorded for Paramount Records in 1931, but these recordings sold poorly due to the Great Depression, and he drifted into obscurity. After a long absence from the public eye, James was "rediscovered" in 1964 by three blues enthusiasts, helping further the blues and folk music revival of the 1950s and early 60s. During this period, James appeared at several folk and blues festivals and gave live concerts around the county, also recording several albums for various record labels.
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Here's the Cream's version:
ReplyDeleteBman's Blues Report: I'm So Glad - Cream
Rory Block is another Skip James disciple:
ReplyDeleteBman's Blues Report: Terraplane Blues - Rory Block
Here's more Skip James:
ReplyDeleteBman's Blues Report: All Night Long - Skip James