Instruments: vocals, guitar (National steel-bodied)
Lifespan: b. 3-21-1902 (1886?) (Riverton, MS), d. 10-19-1988
Style synopsis: Heavy delta blues and gospel
Representative Recordings:
The Complete Library of Congress Sessions, '41-42
Father Of The Delta Blues: The Complete 1965 Recordings (Roots & Blues)
Contributor: Rob Hutten (rob@hutten.org)
Contributor's comments: Son House can safely be called one of the most important bluesmen ever, based on his extensive influence on other definitive bluesmen such as Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters and his long-lasting (if sporadic) performing career that spanned half a century. His heavy, raw slide guitar playing and intense vocals mark him as one of the most powerful blues performers to be heard.