Biography
Charley Patton, often called the 'Father of the Delta Blues,' was born around 1891 in Hinds County, Mississippi, near Edwards or Bolton. Raised in a sharecropping family, Patton moved as a child to Dockery's Plantation, a hub for blues musicians in the Mississippi Delta. There, he absorbed musical influences from older guitarists and began performing locally, developing a distinctive style marked by raw, emotive vocals and percussive, polyrhythmic guitar playing[1][2][3][4].
Patton's career flourished in the early 20th century as he traveled throughout the South, playing at rural parties, barrelhouses, and dances. He recorded nearly 70 tracks between 1929 and 1934, including classics like 'Pony Blues,' 'Down the Dirt Road Blues,' and 'High Water Everywhere.' His performances were noted for their aggressive intensity, showmanship, and the ability to captivate audiences with both music and stage antics, such as playing guitar behind his back[1][2][3].
Patton's legacy is profound: his innovative approach to blues guitar and singing laid the foundation for future generations of blues artists. He influenced iconic musicians such as Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Son House, and Bukka White, shaping the sound and spirit of American blues. Patton was posthumously inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1980, cementing his status as a cornerstone of American music[1][2][3].
Fun Facts
- Patton was known for his flamboyant stage presence, often playing guitar behind his back or between his legs to entertain audiences[2].
- His vocal style was so loud and gravelly that it could be heard across large, noisy venues, making him a favorite at rural parties[2][3].
- Patton's ethnicity has been the subject of speculation, with some suggesting he was of mixed African American, Native American, or even Mexican heritage[2].
- His tombstone in Indianola, Mississippi, reads: 'The Voice of the Delta – The Foremost Performer of Early Mississippi Blues Whose Songs Became Cornerstones of American Music'[2].
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Henry Sloan - Patton closely followed Sloan's guitar playing at Dockery Plantation and learned from him as a young musician. (Informal performances and early blues repertoire) [Late 1890s–early 1900s]
Key Collaborators
- Willie Brown - Frequent musical partner who accompanied Patton on recordings and live performances. (Numerous Paramount recordings, live shows) [1910s–1934]
- Tommy Johnson - Shared songs and ideas at Dockery Plantation; Johnson adopted Patton's 'Pony Blues' into his own repertoire. (Shared repertoire, informal collaborations) [1913–1930s]
Artists Influenced
- Robert Johnson - Johnson emulated Patton's guitar style and vocal delivery, foundational to his own blues legacy. (Early blues recordings, overall style) [1930s]
- Howlin' Wolf (Chester Arthur Burnett) - Patton's intensity and performance style deeply shaped Howlin' Wolf's approach to blues. (Howlin' Wolf's vocal and stage style) [1940s–1950s]
- Muddy Waters - Patton's music and showmanship influenced Muddy Waters' development as a blues artist. (Muddy Waters' early recordings) [1940s–1950s]
- Son House - Patton's guitar techniques and repertoire influenced Son House's musical direction. (Son House's blues recordings) [1930s–1960s]
- Bukka White - Patton's style and repertoire shaped White's blues performances. (Bukka White's recordings) [1930s–1970s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Circle Round the Moon | 1928-12-19 | Album |
| Charley Patton Vol. 1 (1929) | 1990 | Album |
| King of the Delta Blues | 1991-01-01 | Album |
| ∆ | 2024-04-12 | Album |
| Rough Guide to Charley Patton | 2012-08-07 | Album |
| Father Of The Delta Blues | 2025-01-01 | Album |
| Founder of the Delta Blues (2010 Remastered) | 2005 | Album |
| Essential Classics, Vol. 748: Charlie Patton | 2025-02-07 | Album |
| Electrically Recorded: High Water Everywhere | 2009 | Album |
| Charley Patton Vol. 2 (1929) | 1990 | Album |
| The Ultimate Country Blues Collection | 2007-01-01 | Album |
| Primeval Blues, Rags, And Gospel Songs | 2005-06-20 | Album |
| Love My Stuff | 1999-01-01 | Album |
| Charley Patton Vol. 3 (1929 - 1934) | 1990 | Album |
| Delta Blues Heroes, Vol. 3 | 2013-01-29 | Album |
Top Tracks
- A Spoonful Blues (Circle Round the Moon)
- Down The Dirt Road Blues (Circle Round the Moon)
- Down The Dirt Road Blues (Charley Patton Vol. 1 (1929))
- Devil Sent the Rain Blues (Circle Round the Moon)
- Shake It And Break It (But Don't Let It Fall Mama) (Circle Round the Moon)
- Mississippi Boweavil Blues (Circle Round the Moon)
- High Water Everywhere, Pt 1 (Circle Round the Moon)
- High Water Everywhere - Part 1 - (Alternate Take) (Circle Round the Moon)
- Down the Dirt Road Blues
- Forty Four (∆)
External Links
Tags: #acoustic-blues, #blues, #country-blues
References
Heard on WWOZ
CHARLEY PATTON has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 28, 2025 | 14:11 | screamin and hollerin the bluesfrom king of the delta blues | Soul Serenadew/ Marc Stone | |
| Oct 27, 2025 | 15:13 | OH DEATHfrom PRIMEVAL BLUES, RAGS AND GOSPEL SONGS | Blues Eclecticw/ Andrew Grafe |