Blind Boy Fuller American bluesman, singer and guitarist Date of Birth: 10.07.1907 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Musical Influences
2. Marriage and Blindness
3. Career as a Piedmont Blues Musician
4. Success and Collaborations
5. Legal Trouble and Continued Success
6. Decline and Death
7. Legacy and Impact

Early Life and Musical Influences

Fulton Allen, known as Blind Boy Fuller, was born in Wadesboro, North Carolina in 1907. The son of Calvin Allen and Mary Jane Walker, he was one of ten children. As a child, Fulton learned to play guitar and developed a deep appreciation for traditional folk songs.

Marriage and Blindness

In 1925, Fulton married Cora Allen, who was just 14 years old to his 18. Shortly after, Fulton's eyesight began to deteriorate, leading to complete blindness in 1929. There are conflicting stories surrounding his blindness, with one claiming that it was caused by an acid attack from a former girlfriend.

Career as a Piedmont Blues Musician

Despite his blindness, Allen lost his job and faced financial hardship. He turned to music as a means of survival, performing on the streets of Durham, North Carolina. In 1934, James Baxter Long, a record store owner, discovered Allen's talent and arranged for him to record with American Recording Company (ARC) in New York City. It was during this trip that he adopted the stage name Blind Boy Fuller.

Success and Collaborations

Fuller's recordings quickly gained popularity, and he became a renowned Piedmont blues musician. Over the following five years, he released over 130 songs on more than 70 records. In the late 1930s, he took under his wing two fellow musicians: Sonny Terry, a blind harmonica player, and Brownie McGhee, a singer-guitarist.

Legal Trouble and Continued Success

Fuller faced legal trouble in the late 1930s when he was arrested for attempting to murder his wife. Allegedly, the blind Fuller fired shots around his room in a circular motion, suggesting an irrational attempt on her life. Despite his arrest, Fuller was released from prison and continued to record under the guidance of John Hammond, a talent scout and producer.

Decline and Death

Fuller's health deteriorated rapidly, in part due to his alleged alcoholism. On February 13, 1941, the 33-year-old Blind Boy Fuller died suddenly. His popularity was such that his protégé, Brownie McGhee, recorded the song "The Death of Blind Boy Fuller" and later went on to have a brief career under the name "Blind Boy Fuller No. 2."

Legacy and Impact

Blind Boy Fuller was buried in Grove Hill Cemetery in Durham. His recordings continued to sell for several years after his death, but the advent of electric blues eventually eclipsed his popularity. Despite this, Fuller remains an influential figure in American blues music, known for his unique fingerpicking style and evocative lyrics.