Robert Brown (b 15 July 1910, Walnut Ridge, Arkansas – d 6 November 1966, Chicago), known professionally as Washboard Sam, was an American
blues singer and musician. Reputedly the half-brother of
Big Bill Broonzy, Brown moved to Memphis in the 1920s, performing as a street musician with
Sleepy John Estes and
Hammie Nixon. He then moved to Chicago in 1932, performing regularly with Broonzy, and appearing with him and other musicians including
Memphis Slim and
Tampa Red on innumerable recording sessions for Lester Melrose of Bluebird Records. In 1935 he began recording in his own righ…
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