J.B. Lenoir

J.B. Lenoir was a Chicago blues singer and guitarist distinguished by his high, keening voice, his unique zebra-striped stage costumes, and his unusually political song lyrics. His recordings for Parrot, Checker, and other labels in the 1950s included topical songs about the Korean War, Eisenhower, and racial injustice that were unusual in a genre that typically avoided overt political commentary. His 1960s recordings for Crusade and Al Smith captured a more acoustic, introspective style. He died in 1967 from injuries sustained in a car accident. The 2003 documentary 'The Soul of a Man' by Wim Wenders brought renewed attention to his life and music.