A
Georgia born
blues guitarist and singer, who had a lasting influence on the development of both
traditional blues, and later
folk rock styles that grew out of the 1960's.
Blind Willie was born in Thomson, Georgia in
1902; he became blind in later childhood. An able musician and theorist, who was able to read and notate music in
Braille, Blind Willie worked under a number of
pseudonyms, including Blind Sammie, Georgia Bill, Hot Shot Willie, Pig 'n Whistle Red, and
Barrelhouse Sammy. He lived an
itinerant lifestyle, supported by family, friends and even well off white patrons, performing at house parties, barbecues and juke joints in southern Georgia and
Atlanta. He died in obscurity in 1959, just missing the blues revival that would make his music famous.
He made several recordings during his lifetime, none of which achieved significant popularity in their day. The most important of these were recordings he made for the musicologist
John Lomax in the 1940's. Lomax's work was a primary influence for the early folk and folk rock movements in the 1960's, and it was through these
Library of Congress recordings that many later musicians would become familiar with his music. McTell recorded off and on through 1956.
McTell's most well known songs are
Statesboro Blues (notably covered by the
Allman Brothers) and
Broke Down Engine. He played, principally, twelve-string guitar, on which he developed an intricate picking style, later known as the "Georgia School" of blues pickers. His singing voice was soft and clear, which helped bring to life the vital story telling aspect of his songs. His output includes, in addition to
blues, folk songs,
rags and
ballads.
As well as covering many of his songs,
Bob Dylan wrote a tribute to him, and each year the city of Thomson, Georgia holds a "Blind Willie McTell" Blues Festival in his honor.