Son House American bluesman, guitarist Date of Birth: 21.03.1902 Country: USA

1. Biography of Son House
2. Early Life and Musical Journey
3. Imprisonment and Musical Collaborations
4. Rediscovery and Later Life
5. Legacy and Personal Life

Biography of Son House

Son House, born Eddie James 'Son' House Jr., was an American blues musician, singer, and guitarist, who was later named one of the pioneers of classic blues. He had a significant influence on musicians such as Robert Johnson, John Hammond, Alan Wilson, Bonnie Raitt, 'The White Stripes', and John Mooney.

Early Life and Musical Journey

Son House was born in 1902 in Riverton, Mississippi, just two miles away from Clarksdale, Mississippi. His parents divorced when he was young, and at the age of seven, his mother moved him to Tallulah, Louisiana. Coming from a religious family, a young Eddie aspired to become a preacher and began preparing for it at the age of 15. However, his unwavering religious stance was shaken when he developed a deep passion for the blues, which caused him inner conflicts. Despite these conflicts, House started playing the guitar when he was over 20 years old.

Imprisonment and Musical Collaborations

In 1928, House was incarcerated for a year after being involved in a murder, which he claimed was in self-defense. After his release, House moved to Lula, Mississippi, where he met Charlie Patton and Willie Brown. The three of them started performing together at local venues. In 1930, Paramount Records scout Art Laibly invited Patton to record, and he brought House and other musicians to the studio as well. Son House recorded several of his own blues songs, but he did not achieve commercial success. He continued performing with Patton and Brown until Patton's death in 1934, after which he continued to work with Brown as a duo.

Rediscovery and Later Life

In 1941, Son House was recorded by renowned folklorist Alan Lomax for the Library of Congress, and a year later, Lomax returned to record him again. After these recordings, House disappeared from the public eye. He relocated to Rochester, New York, where he worked for the New York Central Railroad and in a restaurant. In 1964, Son House was rediscovered by blues enthusiasts Nick Perls, Dick Waterman, and Phil Spiro in Rochester, marking the beginning of his second creative life and career. He resumed performing, touring, and even traveled to Europe for concerts. Alan Wilson, a young musician from 'Canned Heat,' was one of House's many fans.

Legacy and Personal Life

Son House retired from the stage for the second time in 1974 due to declining health. He moved to Detroit, Michigan, where he spent the rest of his life. Son House passed away on October 19, 1988, and he was buried in Mt. Hazel Cemetery. The Detroit Blues Society raised funds for a memorial on his grave. Little is known about his personal life other than the fact that he was married five times.