“Blind” Lemon Jefferson

“Blind” Lemon Jefferson (Lemon Henry Jefferson; September 24, 1893 – December 19, 1929) was an American blues singer and guitarist from Texas. He was one of the most popular blues singers of the 1920s, and has been titled “Father of the Texas Blues“.

Jefferson’s singing and self-accompaniment were distinctive as a result of his high-pitched voice and originality on the guitar.  Although his recordings sold well, he was not so influential on some younger blues singers of his generation, who could not imitate him as they could other commercially successful artists. Later blues and rock and roll musicians attempted to imitate both his songs and his musical style.