Blind Lemon Jefferson

One of the most famous masters of the blues, Blind Lemon Jefferson recorded a number of highly revered race records (78s) in the Charleston-soaked 1920s. Jefferson's Texas Blues songs were touched by his two octave vocal range and guitar playing that accompanied his crooning melodies like a third harmonic voice. He poured his hard times and fast living into his playing and songs. His recorded music was popular coast-to-coast (no small feat in the ‘20s), and contributed to the awareness of racial equality. His well thought-out arrangements and random, sporadic, improvised guitar solos have influenced most every blues musician.