Blind Willie Reynolds – “Third Street Women Blues” (mp3)
As with many poor black Americans of his time, the exact birth place, date, and name of Blind Willie Reynolds is a mystery. What is known is Blind Willie Reynolds was one of the more eccentric musicians of his day. He used his music in subversive ways, commenting on society as he toured the South, minstrel style. Blinded from a shot gun blast to the face, this only heightened his guitar playing to levels most guitarists only dream of achieving. “Third Street Women Blues” was recorded on September 26, 1930 in Memphis TN.
Mississippi Jook Band – “Hittin’ The Bottle Stomp” (mp3)
Blind Roosevelt Graves’ and his brothers work under the moniker The Mississippi Jook Band made recordings that have been cited as among the earliest examples of rock and roll music. They made a number of 78 RPM sides for Paramount Records starting in 1929 and left a far bigger footprint on music and culture than they could have foreseen at the time. The high energy piece, “Hittin’ The Bottle Stomp” may have been conceived during the great depression, but it is anything but depressing. This is a crackling performance that stands the test of time. Enjoy.
William Harris – “I’m Leavin’ Town” (mp3)
William Harris is often cited by musicologists as one of the first Delta musicians to be recorded. Harris was discovered in the summer of 1927 playing guitar at a picnic in Carpenter, south-west of Jackson Mississippi. “I’m Leavin’ Town” features Joe Robinson on guitar and was recorded on July 22, 1927 in Birmingham Alabama.
Kid Bailey – “Mississippi Bottom Blues” (mp3)
Although it’s almost a cliché to say this about a blues musician from the American South, Kid Bailey was one of the most enigmatic musicians of the era. His recording career lasted exactly one day, and yielded only two songs. I’m proud to present one of those two songs, “Mississippi Bottom Blues.” The chorus was appropriated by Canned Heat for their song, “Going Up the Country.”
