Arthur Big Boy Crudup

Arthur Big Boy Crudup (August 24, 1905 – March 28, 1974) was an American Delta blues singer, songwriter and guitarist.
Arthur Big Boy Crudup - The Voice Behind the Blues
If you are a lover of blues music, then you've probably heard about Arthur Big Boy Crudup - a voice that remains prominent in the blues world till today. Crudup's music has served as an inspiration for many blues artists that came after him, and his talent continues to live on. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the life and musical career of Arthur Big Boy Crudup, explore some of his best songs, genres, and famous concerts. We will also hear some of the music critic's opinion about his style.
Arthur Big Boy Crudup was born on August 24, 1905, in Forest, Mississippi, to sharecropping parents. He learned how to play the guitar at an early age, and by the time he was a teenager, he had already started performing at local events. He moved to Chicago in 1940 and was discovered by the record executive, Lester Melrose, in 1941, and that led to his first recording session titled, Death Valley Blues. Crudup's style was deeply rooted in the Mississippi Delta Blues, with elements of country and folk music, and his distinct voice made him stand out amongst his contemporaries. Some of his popular songs include That's All Right, Mean Ol' Frisco Blues, and My Baby Left Me.
Arthur Crudup's music was mainly characterized by his soulful, gritty voice, accompanied by his intricate guitar playing. He was known for his use of finger-style picking, and his guitar sound was always recognizable. His music style was mainly blues, with elements of country and folk, and it was often categorized as Mississippi Delta Blues. Crudup was also one of the first blues musicians to introduce the electric guitar to his sound, which gave his music a more amplified and electrifying feel.
Crudup's music career reached its peak in the 1940s, but it wasn't until the 1950s that he gained widespread popularity, with his music being covered by Elvis Presley, Eric Clapton, and other artists. His song That's All Right was famously covered by Elvis Presley in his first recording session, and it became an instant hit. Crudup was, however, never given any credit for the song's success, which led to an ongoing battle for royalties. Despite this, Crudup continued to perform and record music until his death on March 28, 1974.
Arthur Big Boy Crudup was known for his electrifying live performances, and he was a regular performer at the Chicago blues clubs. He also performed at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1969 and 1973, where he received critical acclaim for his soulful performances. His performance at the 1969 festival was particularly moving, with his voice and guitar playing captivating the audience.
Music critics have often praised Arthur Crudup's style, with many recognizing him as one of the pioneers of modern blues. Some have described his voice as raw and soulful, with a distinct southern accent that adds to the authenticity of his music. His guitar playing has also been praised for its intricate fingerpicking style and for incorporating elements of country and folk.
Arthur Big Boy Crudup remains one of the most influential blues musicians of the 20th century, and his music continues to inspire new generations of blues artists. His soulful voice, electrifying guitar playing, and unique style set him apart from other blues musicians of his time. From his humble beginnings as a sharecropper to his enduring legacy as a blues legend, Arthur Crudup's music will always remain relevant to music lovers around the world.
Arthur Big Boy Crudup remains one of the most influential blues musicians of the 20th century, and his music continues to inspire new generations of blues artists. His soulful voice, electrifying guitar playing, and unique style set him apart from other blues musicians of his time. From his humble beginnings as a sharecropper to his enduring legacy as a blues legend, Arthur Crudup's music will always remain relevant to music lovers around the world.