Urban

William Lee ‘Big Bill’ Broonzy RA

"Born in 1883, in 1924, Broonzy moved to Chicago to start his music career, partly because of all the racism that was happening in the South. Under the guidance of Papa Charlie Jackson, Broonzy learned how to play the guitar. In the 1930’s Broonzy became known as one of the major artist on the Chicago Blues scene. During this time he performed with other top blues artist in Chicago-- like Memphis Minnie, Tampa Red, Jazz Gillum, Lonnie Johnson, and John Lee “Sonny Boy” Williamson. Also, while trying to make it in the music business, he worked as a janitor and maintenance man.

In 1938, Broonzy performed at John Hammond’s famous Spiritual and Swing concert at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Broonzy was famous as the father of Chicago blues until World War II. He was one of the best-known blues players and recorded over 260 blues songs.

After the arrival of artists like Muddy Waters playing of the electric guitar, Broonzy’s brand of blues was pushed aside. Rather than retire, he changed his style of music to folk blues for white audiences. In 1951, Broonzy toured Europe where he performed standard blues, traditional folk tunes, and spirituals to appreciative audiences. The following year Broonzy returned to Europe with pianist Blind John Davis. He opened the doors for other American blues artists to tour there as well. He died in 1958".

Information and photo courtesy of the Starkville High School, Mississippi, web site: www.shs.starkville.k12.ms.us/mswm/MSWritersAndMusicians