Blind Joe Reynolds | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Joe Reynolds |
| Also known as | Joe Sheppard |
| Born | 1900 or 1904 |
| Died | March 10, 1968 |
| Genres | blues |
| Occupation(s) | guitarist, singer |
| Instrument(s) | guitar, vocals |
| Years active | 1929–68 |
| Labels | Paramount Records, Victor Records |
"Blind Joe" Reynolds (1900 or 1904 – March 10, 1968), was an American singer-songwriter and blues guitarist.
Reynolds is thought to have been born in Tallulah, Louisiana in 1904,[1][2][3] although his death certificate states his birthplace as Arkansas in 1900.[1] He was blinded by a shotgun blast to the face in Louisiana in the mid-late 1920s, which resulted in the physical loss of his eyes.[1][2][4] Despite this handicap, Blind Joe became known for his distinctive bottleneck style as well as his reported accuracy with a pistol, with which it is said he could judge the position of a target by sound alone.[1]
Reynolds is known to have been polyamorous and somewhat misogynistic, as is apparent from a number of his recordings.[1][4] He was also known to be outspoken and flamboyant, often using his music as a medium to attack society.[1][4]
- ^ a b c d e f Wardlow, Gayle Dean, ed. (1998). "A Devil of a Joe". Chasin' That Devil Music: Searching for the Blues. Miller Freeman Books. pp. 170–180. ISBN 9780879305529.
- ^ a b Pedler, Dominic (August 2001). "Diggin' for Gold". Record Collector (264). London.
- ^ Wirz, Stefan (July 25, 2013). "Illustrated Blind Joe/Willie Reynolds discography". American Music. wirz.de.
- ^ a b c Thomas, Christen (June 16, 2004). "Ray Charles Joins His Blind, Black Bluesmen in Heaven". The Black Table.