Furry Lewis

Walter E. Lewis, known as Furry Lewis, was a Memphis blues guitarist and songster who recorded for Vocalion and Victor in the late 1920s and then disappeared from the recording scene for over three decades before being rediscovered during the folk revival. His early recordings, particularly the two-part 'Kassie Jones' (about the legendary Casey Jones railroad wreck) and 'John Henry,' were sophisticated ragtime-influenced performances. After losing a leg in a railroad accident, he worked as a Memphis street sweeper for decades while playing local parties and events. His rediscovery in the 1960s led to festival appearances, new recordings, and a memorable role in Burt Reynolds's film 'W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings.' Joni Mitchell wrote a song about him.