Blind Blake, born Arthur Blake, stands as a towering figure in the annals of early American blues and ragtime music, his legacy enduring through a remarkable catalog of recordings that date back to the late 1920s and early 1930s. Known for his complex and intricate fingerpicking style, Blind Blake earned the title of a "ragtime guitar legend," a testament to his virtuosity and innovative approach to the guitar - an instrument he dominated with unparalleled skill. His recordings, a blend of ragtime, blues, and folk, reveal a musician of extraordinary depth and versatility, capable of both poignant, soulful expressions and lively, rhythmic acrobatics.

Throughout his career, Blind Blake recorded numerous tracks that remain crucial to the understanding of American roots music. Works such as "A Group of Bahamian Songs" and "Presenting Blind Blake" showcase his ability to traverse musical landscapes, drawing from a rich tapestry of cultural influences. Despite the challenges posed by his blindness, Blake's music resonated across the United States, influencing generations of musicians to come. Although details of his life are somewhat elusive, his music—compiled in volumes and collections like "Blind Blake Vol. 3 (1928 - 1929)" and "Blind Blake Vol. 4 (1929 - 1932)"—continues to be celebrated for its pioneering contributions to the guitar genre, marking him as a seminal figure in the development of ragtime blues.

Genres

Acoustic Blues

Bahamian Folk

Country Blues

Piedmont Blues

Pre-war Blues

Ragtime

Traditional Blues

Latest Release

A Group of Bahamian Songs

Blind Blake•

The Royal Victoria Hotel Calypsos

Album - 10 Tracks - Released April 26, 2024