Francis Hillman "Scrapper" Blackwell was an influential American blues guitarist and singer, renowned for his expressive guitar playing and significant contributions to the Piedmont blues style. Born on February 21, 1903, in Syracuse, North Carolina, Blackwell gained prominence in the late 1920s and early 1930s through his work with pianist Leroy Carr. Together, they formed a highly successful duo that produced a series of hits, including the timeless classic "Blues Before Sunrise," which showcased Blackwell's intricate fingerpicking and deft accompaniments.

After Carr's untimely death in 1935, Blackwell's career faltered, leading him to retire from music and live a life away from the spotlight. In the late 1950s, however, interest in his music was revived, and Blackwell made a series of comebacks, recording albums such as "The Virtuoso Guitar of Scrapper Blackwell" and "Mr. Scrapper's Blues," which demonstrated his undiminished skill and depth as a musician. Despite this resurgence, Blackwell's life was tragically cut short when he was murdered in Indianapolis in October 1962. Despite his early death, his legacy lives on through his recordings, which continue to influence blues guitarists and aficionados alike.

Genres

Chicago Blues

Country Blues

Piedmont Blues

Traditional Blues

Latest Release

Kokomo

Scrapper Blackwell

Album - 17 Tracks - Released July 23, 2021