Son House

One of the most powerful of the Mississippi Delta bluesman was Eddie James "Son" House (1902-1988). One source notes that Son House "pioneered an innovative style featuring strong, repetitive rhythms, often played with the aid of slide guitar, and his singing often incorporated elements of southern gospel and spiritual music." House was also an important influence on MS Delta bluesmen Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters. And as previously noted on this blog, although he was born in Coahoma County just outside of Clarksdale, his most creative years were spent in Robinsonville in north Tunica County.

You can read more about Son House here and here.

In the meantime, check out Son House playing "Death Letter Blues":




Here he performs "Forever On My Mind":




Check him out doing "Downhearted Blues":




Here he performs "Levee Camp Blues":




In this video he does "Preachin' Blues":




And don't miss his powerful a cappella performance of "John the Revelator":