Big Bill Broonzy
Big Bill Broonzy, born Lee Conley Bradley on June 26, 1893, or perhaps 1903, was an influential American blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist. The details of his birth are disputed, with claims of his birthplace being either Scott, Mississippi, or Jefferson County, Arkansas. Broonzy grew up in Arkansas and began playing music at a young age, initially learning the fiddle from his uncle. He later transitioned to the guitar and began performing blues music.
Broonzy's career spanned from the 1920s to the late 1950s, during which he evolved from playing country blues for African-American audiences to becoming a key figure in the urban blues scene in Chicago. By the 1930s and 1940s, he was a prominent blues artist, recognized for his contributions to the Chicago blues sound. His performance at Carnegie Hall in 1938 marked his debut before a white audience, and he became one of the best-selling blues recording artists of his time.
In the 1950s, Broonzy returned to his folk-blues roots and became a leading figure in the American folk music revival, gaining international fame. He was known for his unique songwriting, which often reflected his rural-to-urban experiences. Broonzy copyrighted over 300 songs, including well-known tracks like "I Can’t Be Satisfied," "Key to the Highway," and "Black, Brown and White."
Broonzy's life was marked by a blend of fact and fiction, as he often embellished his personal history. Despite this, his impact on blues music is undeniable. He passed away on August 15, 1958, in Chicago, Illinois, leaving behind a legacy that was later honored with his induction into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1980. His autobiography, "Big Bill Blues," was published in 1955, offering insights into his life and career.
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