Blind Blake was a legendary ragtime blues guitarist who lived from 1896 to 1934. He was a master of fingerstyle guitar and one of the most influential guitarists of his time. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the life, music, and legacy of Blind Blake.
- Blind Blake was a pioneering blues guitarist of the early 20th century, known for his virtuosic fingerpicking style and intricate arrangements.
- Blake was a prolific recording artist, with over 80 songs to his name, and his music had a significant influence on later blues and rock guitarists.
- Blake’s repertoire included a wide variety of styles, including ragtime, blues, and hokum, and he was equally adept at playing both instrumental pieces and songs with vocals.
- Blake’s fingerpicking technique was characterized by a complex syncopated rhythm, intricate melodies, and a sophisticated use of bass notes and chords.
- Despite his success as a musician, Blake struggled with alcoholism and financial difficulties throughout his life, and died at a relatively young age in 1934.
- Blake’s legacy has endured, and his music remains popular among blues enthusiasts and guitarists today.
- By studying Blake’s playing, guitarists can learn valuable techniques for fingerpicking, rhythm, and melody, and gain a deeper understanding of the roots of blues and rock music.
Jim Bruce Plays Blind Blake’s Southern Rag
Early Life and Career
Blind Blake was born Arthur Blake in Jacksonville, Florida in 1896. Little is known about his early life, but it is believed that he became blind at a young age due to a bout of measles. Blake learned to play guitar in his teens and began performing in the local area.
Recording Career
Blake’s recording career began in 1926 when he was signed by Paramount Records. Over the next eight years, he recorded over 80 sides for the label, establishing himself as one of the most popular and influential guitarists of his time.
Style and Techniques
Blind Blake’s style was characterized by his intricate fingerpicking technique, which combined elements of ragtime, blues, and jazz. He used a variety of techniques, including alternate thumb and fingerpicking, and incorporated syncopated rhythms and complex melodies into his playing.
Influences and Legacy
Blind Blake’s influences included other ragtime and blues guitarists of his time, as well as classical composers like Bach and Chopin. His music influenced generations of guitarists, including Blind Boy Fuller, Josh White, and Ry Cooder.
Blind Blake’s Discography
Blind Blake recorded over 80 sides for Paramount Records between 1926 and 1932. Some of his most popular recordings include “West Coast Blues,” “Diddie Wa Diddie,” and “Too Tight Blues.”
Blind Blake’s Signature Songs
“West Coast Blues” is considered one of Blind Blake’s signature songs. The song features his intricate fingerpicking and syncopated rhythms and has been covered by numerous artists over the years. “Diddie Wa Diddie” is another of his most famous songs, featuring a playful melody and clever lyrics.
Blind Blake’s Guitar Tunings
Blind Blake used a variety of tunings in his playing, including standard tuning, open D tuning, and open G tuning. He also used a unique tuning called “Blake’s tuning,” which was a variation of open D tuning.
Blind Blake’s Legacy
Blind Blake’s legacy lives on in the music of countless guitarists who have been influenced by his playing. His innovative fingerpicking technique and complex melodies continue to inspire and challenge guitarists to this day.
Blind Blake’s Impact on Modern Music
Blind Blake’s influence can be heard in a variety of musical genres, from blues to jazz to rock and roll. His playing paved the way for the development of modern fingerstyle guitar, and his use of syncopated rhythms and complex melodies influenced the development of jazz and swing music.
Blind Blake’s Technique and Style
Blind Blake’s fingerpicking style was characterized by his intricate syncopated rhythms, which he executed flawlessly using a thumbpick and two fingers. His ability to play both melody and rhythm simultaneously made him one of the most respected guitarists of his time. Blake’s style was heavily influenced by ragtime music, which was popular during the early 20th century. He would incorporate complex ragtime syncopation into his guitar playing, giving his music a unique flavor.
Popular Blind Blake Songs
Blind Blake recorded over 80 songs during his short career, but some of his most popular tracks include “Diddie Wa Diddie,” “West Coast Blues,” “Too Tight,” “That Will Never Happen No More,” and “Southern Rag.” These songs showcased his remarkable guitar skills and proved to be immensely popular among audiences of the time.
| Recording Title | Year Produced |
|---|---|
| Diddie Wa Diddie | 1929 |
| Poker Woman Blues | 1929 |
| West Coast Blues | 1929 |
| Too Tight Blues No. 2 | 1929 |
| Blind Arthur’s Breakdown | 1930 |
| Early Morning Blues | 1930 |
| He’s In The Jailhouse Now | 1930 |
| Southern Rag | 1930 |
| Police Dog Blues | 1930 |
| That’ll Never Happen No More | 1932 |
Blind Blake’s Legacy
Although Blind Blake’s career was short, his influence on the blues genre was significant. He inspired many other musicians to take up the guitar and develop their own unique style. Some of the musicians who were influenced by Blind Blake include Rev. Gary Davis, Blind Boy Fuller, and Brownie McGhee. Today, Blind Blake is regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of the blues.
Jim Bruce teaches variations for Blake’s song ‘Tootie Blues’.
The Impact of Blind Blake’s Music on Modern Guitar Playing
Blind Blake’s music continues to inspire guitar players to this day. His intricate fingerpicking style, use of syncopation, and incorporation of ragtime elements into the blues have influenced countless guitarists, including modern-day musicians like Taj Mahal, Ry Cooder, and Eric Clapton. Blake’s legacy continues to live on, not only in his music but also in the work of the many guitarists he has inspired.
Blind Blake’s Influence on Blues Singing
Although Blind Blake was primarily known for his guitar playing, his influence on blues singing cannot be overlooked. His unique vocal style, which was characterized by a high-pitched falsetto, added another dimension to his music. He would often use call-and-response patterns in his singing, which became a hallmark of the blues genre. Many other blues singers would go on to adopt this style, making it an essential element of the genre.
Blind Blake’s Place in Music History
Blind Blake was one of the most influential guitarists of the early 20th century. His intricate fingerpicking style, use of syncopation, and incorporation of ragtime elements into the blues have left an indelible mark on music history. Although his career was short, his impact on the blues genre and guitar playing as a whole cannot be overstated. Blind Blake’s legacy lives on today, and his music continues to inspire generations of musicians.
FAQ relating to Blind Arthur Blake
Who was Blind Blake?
Blind Blake, born Arthur Blake, was a highly influential American blues and ragtime guitarist and vocalist who rose to prominence in the 1920s and 1930s. He is known for his intricate fingerpicking style, virtuosic guitar playing, and upbeat, lively tunes.
How did Blind Blake become blind?
There is no clear answer as to how Blind Blake became blind. Some speculate that it was due to an eye infection in childhood, while others believe that it was a result of a fight or injury later in life.
What were some of Blind Blake’s most famous songs?
Blind Blake is best known for his intricate fingerpicking style and his ability to combine elements of blues and ragtime. Some of his most famous songs include “West Coast Blues,” “Diddie Wa Diddie,” “Too Tight Blues,” and “Police Dog Blues.”
Who were some of Blind Blake’s biggest influences?
Blind Blake was heavily influenced by the music of the Southeastern United States, including the blues, ragtime, and vaudeville styles of music. He was also influenced by other prominent guitarists of the time, such as Lonnie Johnson and Blind Lemon Jefferson.
What was Blind Blake’s playing style?
Blind Blake was known for his intricate fingerpicking style, which involved playing complex melodies and rhythms with his right hand while providing a steady bass line with his left hand. His playing was highly rhythmic and often featured syncopated rhythms and complex chord progressions.
What impact did Blind Blake have on the music world?
Blind Blake was a highly influential musician who helped to popularize the fingerpicking style of guitar playing. He inspired numerous other guitarists, including Blind Boy Fuller, Reverend Gary Davis, and Jorma Kaukonen, and his music continues to influence musicians today.
How did Blind Blake’s career end?
Blind Blake’s career declined in the late 1930s, and he struggled with alcoholism and financial troubles. He died in 1934, reportedly from complications related to pneumonia and alcoholism. Despite his short career, Blind Blake’s music had a lasting impact on the world of blues and ragtime guitar playing.