Son House

Edward James "Son" House Jr. was born on March 21, 1902, and became a pivotal figure in the Delta blues genre. Known for his deeply emotional singing and masterful slide guitar playing, House's journey into music began at the age of twenty-five after a period of resistance to secular music while serving as a preacher. This transition marked the start of a unique musical style that combined the rhythmic intensity and powerful delivery of his sermons with the blues he had recently embraced.

Despite a brief career that faced interruptions, including a stint in Parchman Farm penitentiary, House's talent caught the attention of Charley Patton, a leading blues artist of the Mississippi Delta. Patton invited him to perform together and even accompany him to a recording session in 1930 for Paramount Records. Unfortunately, the records released during the Great Depression did not achieve commercial success, but House remained a beloved figure locally, particularly in Coahoma County, where he influenced future legends like Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters.

In the early 1940s, House's music was documented by notable figures such as Alan Lomax and John W. Work for the Library of Congress. However, he left the Delta for Rochester, New York, and stepped away from music altogether. It wasn't until 1964 that House was rediscovered by enthusiasts, including Alan Wilson of Canned Heat, who encouraged him to return to the stage. The following year, he released the album "Father of Folk Blues," marking a significant comeback.

During the American folk music revival, House found a new audience, performing in coffeehouses and folk festivals, and was celebrated as a "folk blues" singer. His contributions to music were recognized posthumously, with his single "Preachin' the Blues" being inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2017. Son House's legacy continues to resonate, showcasing the profound impact of his artistry on the blues genre.