Nehemiah Curtis "Skip" James was an American Delta blues artist whose haunting guitar playing and singular high-pitched singing made him an iconic figure of the blues revival of the 1960s. Born on June 9, 1902, in Bentonia, Mississippi, Skip James was the embodiment of the Delta bluesman, interweaving the complexities of his personal life with the soulful expression in his music. Beginning his recording career in 1931, James laid down tracks that would become blues classics, such as "Devil Got My Woman" and "Hard Time Killing Floor Blues," which influenced generations of musicians.

James's music was characterized by his use of the rare cross-note tuning, giving his guitar a haunting, ethereal quality that complemented his falsetto voice. Despite the strength of his 1931 sessions, his music was initially met with commercial indifference, and he slipped into obscurity for several decades. Rediscovered during the blues and folk revival in the 1960s, Skip James was brought back into the public eye, showcasing his talents at folk festivals and recording new albums that captivated a new audience. His legacy endures with songs like "I'm So Glad," which was famously covered by the British rock band Cream, demonstrating the far-reaching influence of his Delta blues heritage on popular music. Skip James passed away on October 3, 1969, leaving behind a body of work that continues to resonate with blues enthusiasts around the world.

Genres

Acoustic Blues

Blues

Country Blues

Delta Blues

Traditional Blues

Latest Release

Today! (Remastered 2024)

Skip James

Album - 12 Tracks - Released June 7, 2024