Skip James

SKIP JAMES d1969. American Delta blues singer, guitarist, pianist and songwriter. His guitar playing is noted for its dark, minor-key sound, played in an open D-minor tuning with an intricate fingerpicking technique. He first recorded for Paramount Records in 1931, but these recordings sold poorly, having been released during the Great Depression and he drifted into obscurity. After a long absence from the public eye, he was rediscovered in 1964 by blues enthusiasts (including John Fahey) helping further the blues and folk music revival of the 1950s and early 1960s. During this period, he appeared at folk and blues festivals, gave concerts around the country and recorded several albums for various record labels. His songs have influenced generations of musicians and have been adapted by numerous artists. He has been hailed as "one of the seminal figures of the blues". He died in Philadelphia aged 67 on October 3rd 1969