Delta Blues: Son House
Episode 5
Episode date - May 10, 2013
To this point, previous shows focused more or less exclusively on the life and music of Charley Patton. For this show, we dedicate the hour to the music of Patton’s musical accomplice, Son House.
In many ways, the men could hardly have been more different. Patton was slight and pale-skinned, while House was tall and dark. Patton would often slur his lyrics and constantly altered his material, while House was much more deliberate and straightforward, singing with strength and clarity. Patton was an exhibitionist and a showman, while House was introverted and private. Their relationship was complex, but Patton’s death would leave Son House to be one of the best sources for information from this crucial time in the development of the Blues.
Featured tracks include;
My Black Mama, Parts 1 and 2
Preachin’ the Blues, Parts 1 and 2
Walkin’ Blues
Death Letter Blues
County Farm Blues
Pearline
Levee Camp Moan