Big Bill Broonzy was an iconic figure in American blues music history. He fused folk, country blues, ragtime and spirituals to create a distinctive style that presciently predicted post-World War II Chicago blues music.
His authorship of more than 300 songs were a profound influence to many musicians, such as Muddy Waters. Tragically, he passed away from throat cancer in 1958.
Who was Big Bill Broonzy?
Big Bill Broonzy was an acclaimed American blues singer and musician, best known for his numerous records from the 1930s and 40s. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest American blues artists ever.
He was born in Scott, Mississippi but later relocated to Pine Bluff, Arkansas where he spent several years before moving to Chicago to further his career. At a young age he began playing the fiddle and was taught by his uncle Jerry Belcher.
In his later years, Big Bill became a recording sensation and was able to travel abroad, performing in Europe. His style of blues-rock blended rural and urban elements together, creating an unforgettable bridge between them both.
He was a well-known performer in the Chicago area, with his music inspiring many other blues artists. He was known for his powerful vocals and songs about issues important to black people. Additionally, he had an excellent fingerstyle guitar technique.
Big Bill Broonzy best songs
- “Key to the Highway”
- “All by Myself”
- “Black, Brown, and White”
- “How You Want It Done?”
- “Big Bill Blues”
- “When Did You Leave Heaven?”
- “Get Back”
- “I Can’t Be Satisfied”
- “In the Evening When the Sun Goes Down”
- “Rockin’ Chair Blues”
Big Bill Broonzy was an iconic figure in Chicago’s pre-World War II blues scene and wrote some of its greatest songs. His career spanned three decades, and he recorded an astounding 250 songs.
He served as a conduit between southern acoustic blues and pre-war Chicago blues from the north, perfecting an original subgenre of ragtime blues similar Piedmont blues stylings, although he used a monotonic-bass type thumb stroke and probably one finger. His Arkansas upbringing fostered this swinging rhythm that would go on to influence all types of music.
One of his best songs, ‘Guitar Shuffle,’ shows off his prowess as a ragtime guitarist. This tune has all the classic characteristics of classic ragtime music with its driving bass line and melodic solo that resonates throughout.
Another standout track is ‘Letter to My Baby,’ which adopts a country-blues vibe and revisits the idea of writing a love letter. It’s an endearing tune that also showcases Broonzy’s skill as a songwriter.
Where did Big Bill Broonzy live?
Big Bill Broonzy was raised in Jefferson Country, near Pine Bluff, Arkansas and began playing music at an early age. By age 10, he had created his own cigar box fiddle from scratch.
In the 1920s, he relocated to Chicago, Illinois and switched from playing fiddle to guitar after learning from Papa Charlie Jackson. Soon thereafter, he had achieved stardom as a blues musician, cutting numerous records for Paramount and Columbia records.
He toured Europe extensively and his albums sold well. In England, he became a beloved favorite; many British musicians took inspiration from him, including Eric Clapton who credited Broonzy as one of his early influences.
He achieved success performing in clubs around Chicago. When unable to perform, he lived off of his savings but never gave up on his passion for music.
Who influenced Big Bill Broonzy?
He debuted with Paramount label in 1927, joined by John Thomas (The Tomps). Their first record was “House Rent Stomp,” which wasn’t well received but led Broonzy to earn extra cash at rent parties and eventually make some money as a recording artist.
Later he joined producer Lester Melrose’s studio in Chicago and served as his unofficial second-in-command, auditioning artists, matching numbers to performers, and booking sessions. Over the course of several decades on Bluebird label records – many hundreds recorded – his signature sound became increasingly renowned.
He also performed with Lil Green, a popular singer discovered by Melrose and who went on to become an accomplished country pop star. Their collaboration included the 1941 hit song “Romance in the Dark,” which was credited both Broonzy and Green.
What style of blues is Big Bill Broonzy?
Big Bill Broonzy’s style of blues was heavily influenced by country blues. He often employed pulsating bass lines and melodic lead melodies to enhance his performance.
He also added elements of folk music to his songs, which appealed to white folk-music enthusiasts in Chicago during the early 1940s and introduced blues music to a new audience.
After World War II, Broonzy established himself as a folk-blues singer and introduced the style to younger guitarists such as Eric Clapton. He became one of the first bluesmen to tour Europe..
Broonzy recorded hundreds of songs throughout his career. He began with upbeat “hokum” tunes and then transitioned into blues-based folk songs that got more serious. His influence on blues musicians like Muddy Waters and Eric Clapton is well known, while many of these covers have become classic classics today.
Which famous blues figure based his career on?
Bluesmen are renowned for their original songs, but some also have an immense influence on other musicians. This is particularly true of artists whose style has had a major influence on rock music such as John Lee Hooker, Lightnin’ Hopkins and Bo Diddley.
Hooker’s captivating signature vocals and his ability to craft an entire world from a single chord have had an immense impact on rock music. His distinctive style was influential by many renowned musicians such as the Rolling Stones and early Fleetwood Mac.
He was an accomplished guitarist, which he often demonstrated with his superb fingerstyle playing. This prowess led him to join Chicago’s blues scene during the fifties and sixties.
Jimmy Reed was a smooth and warm bluesman known for his walking “boogie woogie” bass notes, catchy rhythmic hooks and fluid harmonica riffs delivered through expressive vocals. His easygoing style stood in stark contrast to the usually gritty sound of blues music; moreover, his commercial success opened doors for male blues singers in an industry long dominated by female performers.
Did Big Bill Broonzy play fingerstyle guitar?
Big Bill Broonzy is widely considered one of the finest exponents of ragtime blues music alongside Blind Blake and Reverend Gary Davis.
In the 1940s Broonzy made numerous recordings for various labels in Chicago and quickly established himself as a star in his own right. In 1938 he was invited to play at John Hammond’s “From Spirituals to Swing” concert at Carnegie Hall, an experience which he repeated twice: in 1939 and 1940.
He also performed in college concerts across America and some European shows. Generally, his club work served as an opening act for budding “Chicago Blues” artists like Muddy Waters.
He was an adept and versatile musician, adept at appealing to white audiences by portraying himself as a real “primitive” blues singer from Mississippi. This persona he created over the course of his career.
Best fingerstyle blues guitar players
When it comes to fingerstyle blues guitar, there are plenty of talented players. Unfortunately, it often gets overshadowed by more popular and mainstream music genres; however, its popularity is growing steadily.
Thanks to labels like CandyRat Records, more talented fingerstyle guitarists are finding success. These labels give these musicians a platform to reach a wider audience and make instrumental blues guitar songs more approachable and popular than ever before.
Mark Knopfler is one of the greatest fingerstyle guitarists ever, capable of playing intricate solos while still creating a vibrantly melodic sound. Additionally, he often utilizes alternate tunings to give his playing an unique edge.
Petteri Sariola is an underrated fingerstyle blues guitarist that utilizes various open tunings. He also blends percussive right-hand rhythm with bass slap technique and left-hand ghost notes to create his distinctive style of playing.
He has released multiple albums and performed with some of music’s biggest names. He exemplifies how to blend traditional blues with contemporary sounds for an exquisite musical genre.
Jim Bruce interview – Jazzmonthly
FAQ relating to Big Bill Broonzy acoustic blues guitar player
Who was Big Bill Broonzy?
Big Bill Broonzy was an American blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist who was active from the 1920s until his death in 1958.
What kind of music did Big Bill Broonzy play?
Big Bill Broonzy played the blues, but he also incorporated elements of folk, country, and gospel music into his sound.
What were some of Big Bill Broonzy’s most famous songs?
Big Bill Broonzy is perhaps best known for songs such as “Key to the Highway,” “Black, Brown, and White,” and “All by Myself.”
Did Big Bill Broonzy have any famous collaborators?
Yes, Big Bill Broonzy collaborated with a number of other famous musicians, including Memphis Slim, Sonny Terry, and Brownie McGhee.
What was Big Bill Broonzy’s influence on music?
Big Bill Broonzy was a major influence on the development of the Chicago blues sound, and he was also an important figure in the folk music revival of the 1950s.
Where was Big Bill Broonzy born?
Big Bill Broonzy was born in Scott, Mississippi in the United States.
When did Big Bill Broonzy die?
Big Bill Broonzy died on August 14, 1958, in Chicago, Illinois.