Brownie McGhee was an American folk music and Piedmont blues singer and guitarist, whose career spanned several decades from the 1940s to the 1970s. Born Walter Brown McGhee on November 30, 1915 in Knoxville, Tennessee, Brownie's musical journey began in the South and carried him across various regions, enriching his blues style with a variety of influences. Despite contracting polio as a child, which affected his leg, he persevered to become an accomplished guitarist. His playing was characterized by a fingerpicking style that was smooth, rhythmic, and intricate—a hallmark of the Piedmont blues genre that originated from the southeastern United States.

Perhaps best known for his collaboration with harmonicist Sonny Terry, the duo of Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee became one of the most famous partnerships in blues history and a staple of the folk music scene both in the U.S. and internationally. Their music was a testament to the African-American experience of the era, embodying the soul of the South with songs that dealt with themes of poverty, injustice, love, and resilience. After the duo went their separate ways in the 1970s, Brownie McGhee continued to perform and record solo, leaving behind a legacy that has profoundly influenced the blues and folk musicians that followed. His discography includes beloved recordings such as "Living with the Blues," "Blues Is Truth," and live performances captured on albums like "Live at The New Penelope Café." Brownie McGhee's contributions to American music were significant, his guitar style masterful, and his voice a blend of warmth and melancholy that still resonates with listeners today. He passed away on February 16, 1996, but his music continues to be a source of inspiration and enjoyment for blues enthusiasts around the world.

Genres

Acoustic Blues

Blues

Country Blues

Piedmont Blues

Traditional Blues

Latest Release

Live From The Ash Grove

Sonny Terry•

Brownie McGhee

Album - 11 Tracks - Released June 21, 2024