Lucille Bogan, born on April 1, 1897, in Amory, Mississippi, and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, was a pioneering figure in the classic blues tradition. She is often remembered for her unapologetically explicit lyrics and powerful vocal style that resonated through the 1920s and 1930s. Under the pseudonym Bessie Jackson, Bogan crafted a catalog that was both a raw expression of female sexuality and a reflection of the struggles faced by African American women during the era. Her music career commenced in the early 1920s, with her first recordings made for the OKeh label in 1923.

Lucille Bogan's musical oeuvre is noted for its gritty realism and bold thematic content. She is perhaps best known for her song "Shave 'Em Dry," released in 1935, which is often cited as one of the most explicit blues songs of its time. Despite the suggestive material that characterizes much of her work, Bogan was also capable of a great range of emotion and styles, from deeply melancholic to joyously rebellious. Her collaborations with pianist Walter Roland further enriched her sound with their potent musical interplay. The span of Bogan's work, documented in collections such as "Lucille Bogan (Bessie Jackson) Vol. 1 [1923-1930]" through to "Vol. 3 (1934-1935)," showcases the legacy of a woman whose artistry pushed the boundaries of the blues genre. Lucille Bogan remains a significant, though sometimes overlooked, figure in American music history, passing away on August 10, 1948, leaving behind a body of work that continues to surprise and captivate listeners.

Genres

Country Blues

Pre-war Blues

Traditional Blues

Latest Release

Jazz Son's

Lucille Bogan

Album - 10 Tracks - Released July 18, 2022