Joshua Daniel White, known as Josh White, was born on February 11, 1914, in Greenville, South Carolina. He emerged as a prominent American singer, guitarist, songwriter, actor, and civil rights activist. White's musical journey began in the South during the 1920s and 1930s, where he became a significant figure in the race records industry, recording a vast array of genres including Piedmont blues, country blues, gospel music, and social protest songs. He also recorded under the pseudonyms Pinewood Tom and Tippy Barton in the 1930s.

White's early life was marked by hardship; his father was institutionalized after a violent encounter with a bill collector, leaving the family in a difficult situation. At a young age, White left home to work with Blind Man Arnold, a street singer, and later apprenticed with other blind bluesmen like Willie Walker and Joe Taggart. This period was formative for White, as he honed his musical skills and developed his unique style.

In 1931, White moved to New York City, where he became a fixture in the coffee house and cabaret scene. His fame grew, and he expanded his musical repertoire to include urban blues, jazz, traditional folk songs, and political protest songs. White's performances broke through racial stereotypes and paved the way for future black musicians such as Harry Belafonte, Nat "King" Cole, and Sam Cooke. He became an international star, appearing in theater, film, and television, and even performed at the White House.

Despite his success, White's career was marred by political challenges during the Red Scare of the late 1940s and 1950s. His outspoken stance on civil rights and human rights issues led to accusations of communism, which severely impacted his career in the United States. Nonetheless, he remained a popular figure in Europe and continued to influence the music scene.

By the 1960s, the folk revival brought renewed interest in White's music, and he was recognized as one of America's leading folk-blues artists. He performed at significant events such as Martin Luther King Jr.'s March on Washington in 1963. White passed away on September 5, 1969, in Manhasset, New York, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneering figure in American music. In 2023, he was posthumously inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame, cementing his place in music history.