Happy Birthday Big Bill Broonzy!

Legendary Chicago blues great Big Bill Broonzy was born this day in 1893….er, or was it 1898? Like many blues artists of the era, much of Broonzy's early life is shadowed by lack of documentation. What isn't an issue, however, is Broonzy's importance to blues music and his influence on a generation of Chicago blues musicians.

Born in Scott, Mississippi literally on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, Broonzy moved to Chicago with his family as a teenager. After picking up the guitar, he quickly integrated himself into the city's fledgling blues scene. A friend and contemporary of artists like guitarist Tampa Red and harp player John Lee "Sonny Boy" Williamson, Broonzy helped evolve older vaudeville styles like hokum and ragtime into an urbanized blues sound.

"Big Bill" was also an important mentor to Delta immigrants like Memphis Minnie and Muddy Waters, helping them find gigs and supporting their music. Join us today in celebrating the life and career of the great Big Bill Broonzy, no matter what year he was born!

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Photo courtesy Price Grabber