furry lewis

Biography

Walter 'Furry' Lewis (born March 6, 1893 or 1899, in Greenwood, Mississippi – died September 14, 1981, in Memphis, Tennessee) was a pioneering figure in early country blues. Moving to Memphis as a child, Lewis grew up immersed in the vibrant musical atmosphere of Beale Street, where he was exposed to a wide range of African American musical styles. By his teens, he was performing solo at parties, taverns, and on the streets, and he occasionally played with W.C. Handy's Orchestra, gaining valuable experience and exposure to new musical ideas.

Lewis became known for his expressive bottleneck guitar technique and his ability to infuse performances with subtlety and emotion. He traveled with medicine shows in the South, further developing his style and repertoire. Despite losing a leg in a train accident in 1917, Lewis continued to perform and, in the late 1920s, recorded over twenty sides for Vocalion and Victor, producing enduring classics such as 'Kassie Jones.' However, the Great Depression and changing musical tastes led him to step back from professional music, and he worked as a street sweeper in Memphis for decades, playing music only occasionally.

Rediscovered during the folk blues revival of the 1960s, Lewis recorded new albums, appeared on television and in film, and even opened for rock acts in the 1970s. His relaxed, intimate style and storytelling lyrics influenced generations of musicians, securing his legacy as one of the most creative and personal voices in the blues.

Fun Facts

• Furry Lewis lost a leg in a train accident in 1917 but continued to perform with a prosthesis for the rest of his life.
• He worked as a street sweeper for the City of Memphis from the 1920s until his retirement in 1966, allowing him to remain connected to the local music scene.
• Lewis appeared on 'The Tonight Show' with Johnny Carson in 1974 and acted in the Burt Reynolds film 'WW & The Dixie Dance Kings' in 1975.
• His nickname 'Furry' was given to him by childhood friends, though the origin of the name is unknown.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• W.C. Handy - Lewis played several dates with Handy's Orchestra in his youth, gaining exposure to formal blues arrangements and professional musicianship. (Live performances with Handy's Orchestra) [circa 1908–1910s]

Key Collaborators

• Memphis Jug Band - Participated in a 1928 Victor Records session with the group and other Memphis musicians. (Victor Records session, Memphis Auditorium) [1928]
• Leon Russell - Lewis toured as the opening act for Russell during the 1970s, bringing his blues to new audiences. (Touring performances) [1970s]
• Alabama State Troupers - Toured with this traveling ensemble that mixed blues with rock and other genres. (Touring performances) [1970s]

Artists Influenced

• Joni Mitchell - Inspired her song 'Furry Sings the Blues' after a personal visit to Lewis in Memphis. ('Furry Sings the Blues' (1976)) [1970s]
• Contemporary blues and folk musicians - Lewis's expressive guitar style and personal storytelling influenced many artists during the folk blues revival. (Various covers and tributes) [1960s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. When My Baby Left Me (Shake 'Em On Down)
2. Shake 'Em On Down (Shake 'Em On Down)
3. Judge Harsh Blues (Rock Island Blues)
4. Roberta (Shake 'Em On Down)
5. White Lightinin' (Shake 'Em On Down)
6. John Henry (Furry Lewis)
7. Good Morning Judge (Good Morning Judge)
8. Falling Down Blues (Rock Island Blues)
9. Billy Lyons and Stack O'lee (Rock Island Blues)
10. Kassie Jones (Casey Jones) (Furry Lewis)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #acoustic-blues, #blues, #country-blues