Gus Cannon was a significant figure in the history of American blues and folk music, known for his mastery of the banjo and his role as the leader of Cannon's Jug Stompers. Born on September 12, 1883, in Red Banks, Mississippi, Cannon grew up in a musical environment, absorbing the rich mix of blues, ragtime, and folk music that permeated the Southern United States during that era. His career spanned several decades, beginning in the early 1900s and reaching its peak in the 1920s and 1930s when he recorded a number of tracks that would become influential in the development of blues music.

Cannon's music was characterized by a lively jug band sound, underpinned by his distinctive banjo playing and heartfelt vocals. In his lifetime, he saw the evolution of music from the raw, acoustic sounds of the Mississippi Delta to the electrified rhythms that would come to define modern blues. Although he enjoyed modest success during his active years, Gus Cannon's work was subject to a resurgence of interest in the folk music revival of the 1960s, leading to a new appreciation of his contributions to the genre. Some of his most well-known songs include "Walk Right In," which saw a revival hit for the folk group The Rooftop Singers in 1963, and the enduringly popular "Viola Lee Blues." Gus Cannon passed away on October 15, 1979, leaving behind a legacy that would influence countless musicians and earn him a posthumous induction into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2008. His discography, featuring collections like "Jugs' Collection" and "Gus Cannon Vol. 1 (1927 - 1928)," showcases the enduring nature of his music and its impact on the blues and jug band traditions.

Genres

Banjo

Jug Band

Memphis Blues

Traditional Blues

Traditional Folk

Vintage Country Folk

Vintage Old-time

Latest Release

Jugs' Collection

Gus Cannon

Album - 11 Tracks - Released March 30, 2023