About Blues Music: Son House

Born: March 21, 1902

Died: October 19, 1988

Son House was an American delta blues guitarist, noted for supercharged emotional singing and slide guitar playing. The former preacher’s unique style included a rhythmic drive coupled with vocal intensity. During the Great Depression, his music did not see success but was a big influence on Muddy Waters and Robert Johnson. Son House gave up on music around 1942. His music was rediscovered in the 1960s while he was living in Rochester, New York and working as a railroad porter and chef. Son House performed at the Newport Folk Festival in 1964 during the blues revival.

What is Blues Music About According to Son House: Son House’s blues is steeped in faith and spirituality mixed with the raw emotion of the blues.

How to Gear Up Like Son House: Try open G and open D tunings on any guitar

Essential Blues Music Tracks from Son House:
Grinnin’ in Your Face

Death Letter

Dry Spell Blues

Well Known Covers of Son House Songs:
Death Letter – White Stripes

Famous for Playing With: Charley Patton, Buddy Guy, Willie Brown