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Sonny TerryAmerican bluesman
Date of Birth: 24.10.1911
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of Sonny Terry
Sonny Terry was an American blues musician known for his harmonica playing and unique vocal style. He was born as Saunders Terrell on October 24, 1911 in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Early Life and Career
At the age of sixteen, Sonny Terry was involved in two car accidents that left him almost blind. This tragic event led him to focus his attention on music. After the death of his father, Terry worked at medical exhibitions. In 1937, he teamed up with guitarist Blind Boy Fuller and moved to Durham, North Carolina. They performed on the streets along with Gary Davis and George Washington, who played the washboard.
In December 1937, Terry made his debut recording, accompanying Fuller on the harmonica. His vocal intonations with a distinctive emotional falsetto added depth and variety to the music, and he continued to play in this style until Fuller's death.
Musical Success
Fortunately for Terry, in 1938, while Fuller was in prison, producer John Hammond invited him to perform at the Spirituals To Swing concert. This led to Terry's solo album being recorded by OKeh Records.
In 1942, Terry performed at a concert in Washington, D.C. where he caught the attention of producer J.B. Long. Long recommended blues guitarist Brownie McGhee to invite Terry to perform with him, which marked the beginning of their long musical collaboration.
In New York, Terry recorded as both a leader and accompanying musician on various record labels targeting the African American audience. In the late 1950s, Terry and McGhee actively and successfully performed for black audiences, and they referred to their music as "folk-blues." They created one of the longest-lasting and popular duos in blues history, influencing generations of folk-blues musicians.
Sonny Terry passed away on March 11, 1986 in Mineola, New York, leaving behind a legacy as a talented harmonica player and a significant figure in the blues genre.
