"Son" House

Eddie James "Son" House Jr. was one of the most important blues musicians of the 20th century. He was a master of the Delta blues, a style of blues that originated in the Mississippi Delta in the early 20th century and was characterized by its raw, emotional sound. House's music was deeply rooted in the African American experience, and he was known for his powerful voice and expressive guitar playing.

House was born on March 21, 1902, in Lyon, Mississippi. He grew up in a family of musicians, and his father played the guitar and his mother played the piano. House learned to play the guitar at a young age and was soon playing at local juke joints and house parties.

In 1927, House traveled to Grafton, Wisconsin, to record for Paramount Records. He recorded several songs, including "My Black Mama," "Preachin' the Blues," and "Dry Spell Blues." These recordings are now considered some of the most important and influential blues recordings ever made.

After recording for Paramount, House returned to Mississippi and continued to play at local venues. However, by the mid-1930s, his career had stalled, and he was working as a farmer and preacher. It wasn't until the 1960s that House was "rediscovered" by a new generation of blues enthusiasts.

In 1964, House was invited to perform at the Newport Folk Festival. His performance was a revelation, and he quickly became a favorite of the folk and blues revival scene. He recorded several albums for Columbia Records and toured extensively, playing at festivals and clubs across the United States and Europe.

House's music was characterized by his powerful voice and his fingerstyle guitar playing. He used a bottleneck slide to create a distinctive sound that was both haunting and expressive. His songs often dealt with the struggles of everyday life, including poverty, racism, and heartbreak.

One of House's most famous songs is "Death Letter Blues," which tells the story of a man who receives a letter informing him of his lover's death. The song is a powerful meditation on grief and loss, and House's raw, emotional delivery gives it a visceral impact.

Another important song in House's repertoire is "Grinnin' in Your Face." The song is a simple, unaccompanied vocal and is a testament to House's ability to convey emotion through his voice alone. The lyrics, which consist of House repeatedly singing "don't you mind people grinnin' in your face," are a reminder to stay strong in the face of adversity.

In addition to his music, House was also known for his personal style. He often wore a white suit and a fedora and was known for his charismatic stage presence. He was also known for his love of whiskey, which sometimes led to erratic behavior.

House's influence on blues and rock music cannot be overstated. His fingerstyle guitar playing was a major influence on Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, and other Delta blues musicians. His music also inspired a generation of rock musicians, including The Rolling Stones, who covered House's song "Preachin' the Blues" on their album "Beggars Banquet."

Despite his early success, House's career was often overshadowed by personal struggles. He struggled with alcoholism and spent time in jail for a shooting incident in 1943. However, his legacy as a musician and performer continues to inspire new generations of blues and rock musicians.

In conclusion, Son House was one of the most important blues musicians of the 20th century. His music was characterized by its raw, emotional sound, and his fingerstyle guitar playing was a major influence on blues and rock musicians alike. Despite his personal struggles, House's legacy as a musician and performer continues to inspire new generations.