The Life and Times of Son House: A Journey Through the Blues

Son House was one of the most influential blues musicians of all time. His raw and powerful singing and guitar playing helped to shape the sound of the Delta blues, and his songs have been covered by countless artists, including Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, and the Rolling Stones.

Preachin' the Blues: The Life and Times of Son House

by Joseph South

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2451 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	224 pages
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House was born in 1902 in Lyon, Mississippi. He grew up in a musical family, and he began playing the guitar at an early age. By the time he was a teenager, he was a skilled musician, and he began performing at local parties and dances.

In the 1920s, House moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where he met other blues musicians, including Charley Patton and Willie Brown. He also began recording his music, and his first recordings were released in 1928. House's recordings were a huge success, and he quickly became one of the most popular blues musicians in the country.

In the 1930s, House's career began to decline. The Great Depression hit the music industry hard, and House found it difficult to find work. He also struggled with personal problems, including alcoholism and drug addiction.

In the 1940s, House left Memphis and moved to Rochester, New York. He continued to play music, but he never regained the popularity he had enjoyed in the 1920s. In the 1960s, House was rediscovered by a new generation of blues fans, and he began performing again. He toured extensively and recorded several new albums.

House died in 1988 at the age of 86. He is considered one of the most important blues musicians of all time, and his music continues to inspire and influence musicians today.

Son House's Music

Son House's music was a unique blend of traditional Delta blues and personal expression. His songs were often dark and brooding, and they dealt with themes of love, loss, and redemption. House's guitar playing was equally distinctive. He used a variety of open tunings, and his slide guitar work was both powerful and expressive.

House's music has been praised by critics for its honesty and emotional power. Robert Christgau wrote that House's "voice is a raw, bluesy wail that cuts through the listener's heart." Greil Marcus called House "one of the greatest bluesmen who ever lived." And Peter Guralnick wrote that House's music "is a testament to the human spirit's ability to transcend adversity."

Son House's Legacy

Son House's legacy is immense. He is considered one of the most important blues musicians of all time, and his music has influenced countless artists, including Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, and the Rolling Stones. House's music continues to be played and enjoyed by fans around the world, and his influence can be heard in the work of many contemporary blues musicians.

Son House was a true blues legend. His music was raw and powerful, and it dealt with timeless themes of love, loss, and redemption. House's guitar playing was equally distinctive, and his slide guitar work was both powerful and expressive. House's music has influenced countless artists, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians today.

1. Son House was born in 1902 in Lyon, Mississippi.
2. He began playing the guitar at an early age.
3. He moved to Memphis, Tennessee, in the 1920s.
4. He began recording his music in 1928.
5. His recordings were a huge success.
6. His career began to decline in the 1930s.
7. He left Memphis and moved to Rochester, New York, in the 1940s.
8. He was rediscovered by a new generation of blues fans in the 1960s.
9. He died in 1988 at the age of 86.

• Son House was a master of the Delta blues.
• His songs were often dark and brooding.
• He used a variety of open tunings.
• His slide guitar work was both powerful and expressive.
• His music has influenced countless artists.

If you are interested in learning more about Son House, I recommend the following resources:

• The Official Son House Website
• Son House at AllMusic
• Son House at Discogs
• The Complete Recorded Works of Son House

Preachin' the Blues: The Life and Times of Son House

by Joseph South

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2451 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	224 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE