The Life And Times Of Son House - Unveiling the Blues Legend

When it comes to the blues, few names resonate as deeply as Son House. Born Eddie James House Jr. on March 21, 1902, in Lyon, Mississippi, Son House went on to become one of the most influential figures in the early development of the Delta blues.

Birth and Early Life

Son House was raised in a deeply religious household, exposed to the spiritual music of the African-American church. This foundation of gospel music would later fuse with his love for blues, shaping his unique sound and approach to the genre.

As a young man, Son House worked as a preacher, sharing his spiritual message through his powerful voice. However, his passion for music led him to explore blues during the 1920s, drawing inspiration from pioneers like Charley Patton and Willie Brown.

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

by Joseph South(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2451 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Print length	:	224 pages
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Blues Career and Influence

Son House's raw and emotionally charged performances quickly caught the attention of fellow musicians and blues enthusiasts. He became known for his intense slide guitar playing and distinctive voice that resonated with a raw honesty.

In 1930, Son House made his first recordings, including the legendary song "Preachin' Blues," which captured the spirit and essence of his music. However, his music career took a backseat in the 1940s when he turned his focus back to preaching.

It wasn't until the 1960s that Son House was rediscovered by a new generation of musicians and fans. His influence on legendary artists like Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, and Eric Clapton propelled him back into the spotlight, solidifying his status as a blues icon.

Struggles and Legacy

Despite the renewed recognition, Son House faced numerous personal struggles throughout his life. He battled with alcoholism, financial difficulties, and the loss of loved ones. These experiences deeply shaped his music, adding a layer of melancholy and authenticity to his performances.

Son House's impact on the blues genre cannot be overstated. His passionate and soulful expression paved the way for future generations of blues musicians. His style and lyrics resonated with the struggles of the African-American community, making him a voice for the oppressed.

The Revival and Later Years

In 1964, Son House was invited to perform at the Newport Folk Festival, marking the beginning of a successful comeback. He captivated audiences with his electrifying performances, solidifying his place in music history.

Despite his struggles, Son House continued to perform and record music until his retirement in the early 1970s. He received numerous accolades and awards, including the National Heritage Fellowship in 1980.

Son House passed away on October 19, 1988, but his music continues to resonate with music lovers around the world. His profound impact on the blues genre and his ability to touch the hearts of listeners ensure that his legacy will last for generations to come.

The life and times of Son House are a testament to the power of music to transcend personal struggles and connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level. His contribution to the blues genre and his influence on subsequent musicians make him a legend and a true icon.

As we reflect on his life, let us remember the passion, honesty, and resilience that Son House brought to his music. His legacy serves as a reminder that the blues is not only a genre but a powerful voice for the human experience.

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

by Joseph South(Kindle Edition)

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

In June of 1964, three young, white blues fans set out from New York City in a Volkswagen, heading for the Mississippi Delta in search of a musical legend. So begins Preachin' the Blues, the biography of American blues signer and guitarist Eddie James "Son" House, Jr. (1902 - 1988). House pioneered an innovative style, incorporating strong repetitive rhythms with elements of southern gospel and spiritual vocals. A seminal figure in the history of the Delta blues, he was an important, direct influence on such figures as Muddy Waters and Robert Johnson.
The landscape of Son House's life and the vicissitudes he endured make for an absorbing narrative, threaded through with a tension between House's religious beliefs and his spells of commitment to a lifestyle that implicitly rejected it. Drinking, womanizing, and singing the blues caused this tension that is palpable in his music, and becomes explicit in one of his finest performances, "Preachin' the Blues." Large parts of House's life are obscure, not least because his own accounts of them were inconsistent. Author Daniel Beaumont offers a chronology/topography of House's youth, taking into account evidence that conflicts sharply with the well-worn fable, and he illuminates the obscurity of House's two decades in Rochester, NY between his departure from Mississippi in the 1940s and his "rediscovery" by members of the Folk Revival Movement in 1964. Beaumont gives a detailed and perceptive account of House's primary musical legacy: his recordings for Paramount in 1930 and for the Library of Congress in 1941-42. In the course of his research Beaumont has unearthed not only connections among the many scattered facts and fictions but new information about a rumoured murder in Mississippi, and a charge of manslaughter on Long Island - incidents which bring tragic light upon House's lifelong struggles and self-imposed disappearance, and give trenchant meaning to the moving music of this early blues legend.