Blind Blake

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There are at least two artists with the name Blind Blake

1. “Blind” Blake (born Arthur Blake, circa 1893, Jacksonville, Florida; died: circa 1933) was an influential blues singer and guitarist. He is often called “The King Of Ragtime Guitar”. There is only one photograph of him in existence.

Blind Blake recorded about 80 tracks for Paramount Records in the late 1920s and early 1930s. He was one of the most accomplished guitarists of his genre with a surprisingly diverse range of material. His complex and intricate fingerpicking has inspired Reverend Gary Davis, Jorma Kaukonen, Ry Cooder, Ralph Mctell and many others. He is most known for his distinct guitar sound that was comparable in sound and style to a ragtime piano.

Very little is known about his life. His birthplace was listed as Jacksonville, Florida by Paramount Records but even that is in dispute. Nothing is known of his death. Even his name is not certain. During recordings he was asked about his real name and he answered that his name was Blind Arthur Blake which is also listed on some of the song credits, strengthening his case on his real name, although there is a suggestion that his real name was Arthur Phelps.

His first recordings were made in 1926 and his records sold well. His first solo record was “Early Morning Blues” with “West Coast Blues” on the B-side. Both are considered excellent examples of his style. Blake made his last recordings in 1932, the end of his career aided by Paramount’s bankruptcy. It is often said that the later recordings have much less sparkle and, allegedly, Blind Blake was drinking heavily in his later years. It is likely that this led to his early death.
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  • boehj

    this guy is badass.

    last month

  • L57NT

    Prefer piedmont blues one though Blake Alphonso Higgs is good too.

    last month

  • Theelongplayer

    @ToothandNail04 : I love him too! Both Blind Blakes were great.

    February 2012

  • davidwhoward

    "I wish somebody would tell me what Diddie Wa Diddie means..."

    October 2011

  • ToothandNail04

    am i the only one listening to the bahamian calypso blind blake? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blake_Alphonso_Higgs

    August 2011

  • lewlew00

    This is American History. Shit, if lastfm can be believed, there's only one photo of the guy. And yet, only 188,000 plays? Something is not right here!

    April 2011

  • Tweed15

    " Too tight this Rag of Mine"

    January 2011

  • Pafgadget

    Love alone !

    December 2010
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