Is Blind Willie Johnson Blind Willie Mctell?

Is Blind Willie Johnson Blind Willie Mctell?

Johnson was not born blind. Although it is not certain how he lost his sight, his alleged widow Angeline Johnson told Samuel Charters that when Willie was seven his father beat his stepmother after catching her going out with another man; and that she in spite blinded young Willie by throwing lye in his face.

How did Blind Willie Johnson?

In summer 1945 a fire burned his house to the ground. With nowhere to go, Johnson lived and slept in the ruins until he contracted malarial fever and died on September 18. His second wife Angeline said that the hospital refused to treat him because he was blind, while other sources say it was because he was black.

Where did Blind Willie Johnson live?

Beaumont
Blind Willie Johnson/Places lived

Johnson—undoubtedly Blind Willie—operated the House of Prayer at 1440 Forrest Street, in Beaumont. In 1945, his home was destroyed by a fire, but, with nowhere else to go, Johnson continued to live in the ruins of his house, where he was exposed to the humidity.

Why are so many blues musicians Blind?

Blindness was a symptom of diseases associated with malnutrition. Many of these people grew up in extreme poverty and sickness was rife. Once blind they were no good for working the land etc, so their only recourse was to sit down with a guitar as a means of earning money.

When was Willie Johnson born?

January 25, 1897
Blind Willie Johnson/Date of birth

Was Blind Willie Johnson homeless?

The Homeless Stranger Willie Johnson walked in darkness all his life and he must have known many lonesome days when all he met were strangers who looked upon him as a blind beggar, a homeless stranger. They had no way of knowing that they were meeting one of the most remarkable musicians in American history.

Who is the black blind singer and piano player?

Ray Charles was famouse black blind piano player. He was not born blind but instead lost his eyesight at the age of 7.

Who wrote the song Nobody’s fault but mine?

Blind Willie Johnson
It’s Nobody’s Fault but Mine/Composers

When was Blind Willie Johnson born and when did he die?

See Article History. Blind Willie Johnson, (born January 22, 1897, Independence, near Brenham, Texas, U.S.—died September 18, 1945, Beaumont, Texas), African American gospel singer who performed on Southern streets and was noted for the energy and power of his singing and for his ingenious guitar accompaniments.

How did Blind Willie McTell die cause of death?

He left music soon after, to become a pastor of a local church, and he died of a brain hemorrhage in 1959, his passing so unnoticed at the time that certain reissues in the ’70s referred to McTell as still being alive in the ’60s. Blind Willie McTell was one of the giants of the blues, as a guitarist and as a singer and recording artist.

Where was Blind Willie Johnson buried in Texas?

His death certificate reported syphilis and blindness as contributing factors. According to his death certificate, he was buried in Blanchette Cemetery, in Beaumont. The location of the cemetery had been forgotten until it was rediscovered in 2009.

What kind of knife did Blind Willie Johnson use?

By most accounts, including one by the reputable blues guitarist Blind Willie McTell, Johnson used a knife as a slide, but other claims by Harris and the bluesman Thom Shaw also state he used a thumb pick or brass ring on his recordings.