Early Blues: The First Stars of Blues Guitar

Early Blues: The First Stars of Blues Guitar chronicles the foundational figures who shaped blues guitar in the early 20th century. Through research and interviews spanning four decades, author Jas Obrecht traces the development of blues guitar from its roots through the 1950s. The book profiles nine influential guitarists including Sylvester Weaver, Papa Charlie Jackson, Blind Blake, Blind Lemon Jefferson, and Lonnie Johnson. Each chapter examines the musician's background, playing style, and lasting impact on American music through detailed biographical accounts and technical analysis. Original interviews, period photographs, and archival materials bring to life the cultural context of early blues development. The text incorporates first-hand accounts from musicians and contemporaries who witnessed these pioneering artists perform. This work illuminates how regional folk traditions evolved into a defining American art form, while exploring themes of creativity and innovation during a pivotal era in music history. The interplay between African musical heritage and new forms of artistic expression emerges as a central narrative thread.

Readers value this book's deep research into pre-war blues guitarists, with many noting Obrecht's use of first-hand interviews and period materials. Multiple reviews mention the quality of the rare photographs and detailed musical analysis. Likes: - In-depth coverage of lesser-known artists like Sylvester Weaver and Papa Charlie Jackson - Technical details about playing styles and guitar techniques - Primary source material and historical context Dislikes: - Some readers found the writing style dry and academic - A few noted redundant information between chapters - Limited coverage of female blues guitarists Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (42 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (21 ratings) Notable review quote from Amazon: "Obrecht fills crucial gaps in blues history, especially regarding the transition from rural to urban styles in the 1920s." Some readers mention the book works best as a reference guide rather than a cover-to-cover read.

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Up Jumped the Devil: The Real Life of Robert Johnson by Bruce Conforth, Gayle Dean Wardlow Presents new research and first-hand accounts to document Robert Johnson's life and music through historical records and interviews with people who knew him.

Brother Robert: Growing Up with Robert Johnson by Annye C. Anderson Provides a personal perspective of blues legend Robert Johnson through the memories of his step-sister who lived with him during his formative years.

The Original Guitar Hero and the Power of Music: The Legendary Lonnie Johnson by Dean Alger Traces the life and influence of Lonnie Johnson through his performances, recordings, and impact on both blues and jazz guitar playing.

In Search of Blind Willie McTell by Michael Gray Follows the trail of Blind Willie McTell through Georgia's Piedmont region to uncover the facts about his life and music through historical documentation and oral histories.

🎸 Many of the musicians featured in the book were born in the late 1800s, making them the true pioneers of blues guitar before the genre was even formally recognized. 🎼 Author Jas Obrecht spent 20 years as an editor and writer for Guitar Player magazine, interviewing countless influential musicians and developing deep expertise in blues history. 📝 The book includes rare photographs and previously unpublished interviews with influential artists like Mississippi John Hurt and Rev. Gary Davis. 🌟 Several featured artists, including Blind Blake and Blind Lemon Jefferson, made their first recordings in the 1920s for Paramount Records, which operated out of a furniture factory in Wisconsin. 🎸 The book reveals how many early blues guitarists developed their distinctive sounds on cheap mail-order guitars from Sears Roebuck catalogs, which sold for as little as $3.95.