Henry Thomas, born in 1874 in Big Sandy, Texas, was a pioneering African-American blues musician who left a notable mark on the blues and folk music traditions. Often remembered by his nickname "Ragtime Texas," Thomas embodied the early roots of American folk music, with a repertoire that included songs that pre-dated the blues era and were a reflection of the diverse sounds of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Beginning his recording career in the late 1920s, Thomas captured the essence of rural Southern life in his music. He was known for playing the guitar with a distinctive fingerpicking style and for incorporating the use of a quill, a type of panpipe, which gave his music a unique sound that stood out amongst his contemporaries. Although he only recorded a small body of work between 1927 and 1929, tracks like "Fishing Blues," "Red River Blues," and "Fox and the Hounds" showcased his mastery of storytelling and rhythm.

His work was largely forgotten after the Great Depression until a resurgence of interest in traditional American folk music in the 1960s brought his recordings to a new audience. The albums "Texas Worried Blues: Complete Recorded Works 1927-1929" and "Essential Blues Masters" are comprehensive collections of his songs, digitally remastered to preserve their original charm. As a signpost of authentic American roots music, Henry Thomas's influence can be heard in the songs of many American folk and blues musicians who followed, and his legacy persists as a testament to the enduring power of the country blues tradition.

Genres

Acoustic Blues

Appalachian Folk

Jug Band

Traditional Blues

Traditional Folk

Latest Release

Heaven's Sweetest Tea

Henry Thomas

Single - Released August 8, 2024