Blind Lemon Jefferson was born in Coutchman , Texas ,
in 1893. He was an enormously influential country blues singer whose songs have
been covered by rock performers as diverse as the Beatles and Bob Dylan. Dylan
recorded Jefferson ’s “See That My Grave is
Kept Clean” on his debut album, while Beatles and others, recorded rocking
versions of his “Matchbox Blues.”
After traveling around Texas
with the legendary folk and blues singer, Leadbelly, Jefferson wound up in Chicago in the mid-Twenties.
He secured a recording contract with Paramount Records and began laying down
classic sides. Jefferson ’s recordings proved
for posterity that he was, in fact, one of the best singers and guitarists of
early country blues.
Jefferson died of exposure when he became
lost in Chicago
in December, 1929 during a bad snowstorm. Several fine compilations of
Jefferson’s recordings are available including, “King of the Country Blues”
(1985), “Complete Recorded Works in Chronological Order” (Volumes 1-4) (1991), “The
Best of Blind Lemon Jefferson” (2000), and “Classic Sides” (2003).