Big Bill Broonzy, born Lee Conley Bradley in 1903 in Scott, Mississippi, was a pivotal figure in the development of blues music. His career, spanning from the 1920s until his death in 1958, saw the evolution of the genre from its rural, acoustic roots to a more urban, electric style. Broonzy's early years were spent in Arkansas, where he honed his skills on the guitar, before moving to Chicago in the early 1920s. It was in Chicago that Broonzy's career truly began to flourish. With a repertoire that included folk, traditional blues, and contemporary jazz, he became a leading figure in the vibrant Chicago blues scene of the 1930s and 1940s.

Throughout his career, Big Bill Broonzy recorded hundreds of songs, including influential tracks like "Key to the Highway" and "All By Myself." He was known for his powerful voice and versatile guitar playing, characteristics that enabled him to bridge the gap between the rural blues of his youth and the electrified sound that dominated the genre post-World War II. In the 1950s, as tastes in the US shifted towards younger, electric artists, Broonzy toured Europe extensively, helping to spark a blues revival that would captivate audiences and influence musicians for generations. Despite facing the racial prejudices of his time, Broonzy's music broke through barriers, earning him a lasting place in the annals of American music history. His work laid the groundwork for future generations of blues and folk musicians, and his legacy is celebrated to this day.

Genres

Acoustic Blues

Blues

Chicago Blues

Country Blues

Traditional Blues

Latest Release

Blue Notes – A Blues Survey from 1920-1960, vol. 5

B.B. King•

Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee•

Big Bill Broonzy

Single - Released April 26, 2024