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Charlie PattonAmerican bluesman
Date of Birth: 01.05.1891
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of Charley Patton
Early Life and CareerCharley Patton, an American blues musician, is widely regarded as the 'father' of Delta blues, one of the earliest styles of blues. He was born in Hinds County, Mississippi, near the town of Edwards, on a plantation. The exact date of his birth is unknown, with various sources mentioning different years between 1887 and 1891. Despite being considered an African American, Patton had fair skin, leading to rumors that he might have had Mexican or Cherokee Indian heritage. From a young age, Patton was drawn to music and enjoyed parties, often neglecting work. He quickly developed a wide repertoire when he got his first guitar. By the age of 19, he had already written some of his famous compositions.
Rise to Fame
Described as a 'blues master of all trades' by musicologist Robert Palmer, Patton effortlessly performed deep blues, white rural songs, 19th-century ballads, and both 'black' and 'white' dance music. He quickly gained popularity in the southern United States and annually performed in Chicago, Illinois. In 1934, he even performed in New York City. His songs reflected the history of the South, often touching on topics such as drought, floods, railroads, and the exploits of local sheriffs. Patton was also known for his showmanship, performing daring guitar tricks such as playing the guitar behind his back, placing it on his shoulder, or even swinging it low to his feet and raising it high above his head.
Legendary Status
Anyone who witnessed Patton's live performances would later rave about his mastery, making it difficult to separate truth from exaggeration. There were stories that his voice, despite his frail physique, could be heard without microphones up to 500 meters away. However, whether this was true or not remains uncertain. What is certain is that Charley Patton was indeed a legendary figure. His record sales soared, and by the late 1920s, he became the best-selling blues musician. Paramount Records alone released 13 of Patton's records, and he also recorded for other labels such as Vocalion Records, Gennett Records, and American Record Company.
Complicated Relationships
When talking about Charley Patton, one cannot ignore his complex and abundant relationships with women. Patton was an inexhaustible 'hunter' when it came to women. If he found a woman attractive, he would do anything to win her over. However, as soon as his interest waned, nothing could keep him invested. Traveling throughout the South, he had numerous connections, leaving behind a significant number of abandoned women after his death. Many of these women suffered greatly after their romances with him came to an end.
Legacy
Charley Patton's life was tragically short. On April 28, 1934, at the age of 42, he passed away from either a heart attack or mitral valve failure. He died at his friend's house on a plantation in his home state of Mississippi. His grave was eventually discovered, and Patton was given all the honors he deserved as a musician who made a truly immense contribution to the development of blues and American music as a whole.
