Literature on the blues legends

[Deleted]

Hi Michael and all
I have recently read ‘Escaping the Delta' by 'Elijah Wald' which a thoroughly enjoyed, although I found it a little bit academic. Could any one suggest any other literature that is around about any of the legends of the 1900-40 Blues/folk scene, or before. Many thanks

Gareth

[Michael Messer]

Hi Gareth,

Paul Oliver's wonderful books - The Story of the Blues, and Conversation with the Blues, are two great ones. Deep Blues, by Robert Palmer, is worth reading. A very early blues research book that I enjoyed was The Bluesmen, by Sam Charters. That should get you going! Anyone else got some books to recommend?

In addition; the European Blues Association will be opening their 'centre' in Gloucester in the not too distant future. That will be a whole library dedicated to this subject. It will house all of Paul Oliver's collection, plus lots of other great stuff. It will be a fantastic place to visit.

Shine On
Michael

[Gerry C]

OK, these should keep you busy for a while...

Alan Lomax, The Land Where the Blues Began (down in the Delta) - great on Son House, Broonzy, Memphis Slim...
Bruce Bastin, Red River Blues (east coast piedmont)
Bob Brunning, Blues: The British Connection
Sam Charters, The Country Blues (dated but still great)
Francis Davis, History of the Blues
Robert Gordon, Can't Be Satisfied: The Life Of Muddy Waters
Michael Gray, Hand Me My Travelling Shoes: In Search of Blind Willie McTell
LeRoi Jones, Blues People
Mance Lipscomb, I Say Me For A Parable (totally wonderful)
Peter Guralnick, The Search for Robert Johnson
Gayle Dean Wardlow, Chasin' That Devil Music (wins the GC Prize for Best Title)

Although not strictly about old bluesmen, The Mayor of McDougal Street by Dave Van Ronk (assisted by Elijah Wald - how did he find time to star in Lord of The Rings? ;D ) is a brilliant read too.

When I get back from New Zealand there will be a test! (Old habits die hard.)

Cheerily,

Gerry C

[rickS]

Ditto the above, esp. the Paul Olivers - another good overview is Bill Wyman's 'Blues Odyssey' - & my own favourite, 'King Of The Delta Blues -the life & music of Charlie Patton' by Calt/Wardlow is a fantastic read, tho hard to find, & hellishly expensive if you do... it's the one I'd grab if the house was on fire..

[Deleted]

thanks Michael, Gerry and Rick

Brilliant stuff, that give me plenty to go on, that is not the first time i have heard of robert palmers 'Deep Blues' so i think that will be my next choice, also the sead has been set to search for 'King Of The Delta Blues -the life & music of Charlie Patton.' (i may end up cursing you for that Rick )
if their is any more that you can think of let me know.

all the best
Gareth