Blind Blake

Arthur Blind Blake (1896 – December 1, 1934) was an American blues and ragtime singer and guitarist.
Exploring the Life and Legacy of Musician Blind Blake
If you're a fan of blues music, you've probably heard of Blind Blake. This talented artist made a name for himself with his unique style of fingerpicking and intricate guitar work. Despite passing away in the late 1930s, Blind Blake's music continues to inspire and influence artists today. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the life and legacy of Blind Blake, exploring his musical biography, best songs, music genre, and more.
Blind Blake was born Arthur Blake in Jacksonville, Florida in the early 1890s. He lost his sight at a young age, but quickly developed a love for music. He began playing guitar and singing in local bars and clubs, and eventually made his way to the recording studio. His first recordings were made in the mid-1920s, and his popularity grew quickly. He continued recording until his untimely death in 1934.
One of Blind Blake's most notable contributions to music was his innovative fingerpicking style. This technique involved using the thumb and fingers to play separate parts of the guitar simultaneously. Blind Blake's fingerpicking style was incredibly complex and precise, and his guitar work remains some of the most impressive ever recorded. He was also known for his intricate vocal phrasing and his ability to seamlessly blend together blues, ragtime, and jazz influences.
Blind Blake had a number of popular songs during his lifetime, including Diddie Wa Diddie, Police Dog Blues, and West Coast Blues. His music was heavily influenced by the blues, but also incorporated elements of ragtime and early jazz. Blind Blake's unique style helped to pave the way for modern fingerstyle guitarists, and his impact can be heard in the music of artists like Eric Clapton and Mark Knopfler.
Although Blind Blake is best known for his recordings, he also performed live frequently during his career. He played at a number of notable venues and events, including the Harlem Opera House in New York City and the Newport Jazz Festival. Blind Blake's live shows were known for their energy and excitement, and he quickly became a fan favorite in the blues community.
While Blind Blake's music was popular during his lifetime, it wasn't until after his death that he became truly legendary. His recordings were rediscovered in the 1950s and 60s, and they quickly found a new audience among folk and blues enthusiasts. Today, Blind Blake's music remains a vital part of the blues canon, and his influence can be heard in the work of countless artists.
Blind Blake was a truly unique and talented artist whose contributions to music can still be felt today. His fingerpicking style, intricate guitar work, and blending of blues, ragtime and jazz influences helped to shape the sound of modern blues music. Although his life was cut short, his legacy lives on in his recordings, which continue to inspire and influence musicians from all over the world. Blind Blake's impact on the blues genre and music as a whole cannot be overstated, and his music is an essential part of any true music lover's collection.
Blind Blake was a truly unique and talented artist whose contributions to music can still be felt today. His fingerpicking style, intricate guitar work, and blending of blues, ragtime and jazz influences helped to shape the sound of modern blues music. Although his life was cut short, his legacy lives on in his recordings, which continue to inspire and influence musicians from all over the world. Blind Blake's impact on the blues genre and music as a whole cannot be overstated, and his music is an essential part of any true music lover's collection.