Son House

Eddie James House Jr., known as Son House, was one of the most emotionally intense performers in blues history and a pivotal link between the first and second generations of Delta blues musicians. A former Baptist preacher who never fully reconciled his faith with his blues career, House brought a sermonic intensity to his performances that was overwhelming in its raw power. He was a contemporary and associate of Charley Patton, and his 1930 Paramount recordings ('My Black Mama,' 'Preachin' the Blues,' 'Dry Spell Blues') are foundational documents of the Delta style. He directly influenced Robert Johnson and strongly influenced Muddy Waters. His key early musical partner was Willie Brown, a fellow Dockery-area guitarist whose interplay with House shaped the sound of both men. After decades of obscurity in Rochester, New York, he was rediscovered in 1964 by blues researchers Dick Waterman, Nick Perls, and Phil Spiro, and his subsequent festival and concert performances were electrifying. His Columbia recordings from the revival period captured his undiminished intensity.