Son House

Definition

Son House was an influential American blues musician known for his powerful vocal style and innovative slide guitar playing. He played a crucial role in the development of Delta blues, a genre that emerged from the Mississippi Delta and is characterized by its emotional depth and storytelling. His music and style not only inspired a generation of musicians but also helped shape the direction of blues and its subsequent influence on jazz.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Son House was born in 1902 in Mississippi and started playing music at a young age, influenced by gospel music and local blues traditions.
2. His song 'Death Letter Blues' is considered one of his most famous works, showcasing his storytelling ability and emotional delivery.
3. House's playing style incorporated elements of both fingerpicking and slide guitar, allowing him to create a distinctive sound that set him apart from other blues artists.
4. In the 1960s, Son House experienced a revival in his career, performing at festivals and recording new material, which introduced his music to a younger audience.
5. He was a significant influence on later artists such as Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, and even rock musicians like Eric Clapton, showcasing his lasting impact on music.

Review Questions

• How did Son House's early life and musical influences shape his style as a Delta blues musician?
  • Son House's early life in Mississippi exposed him to various musical influences, including gospel music and local folk traditions. Growing up in an environment rich with spirituals and storytelling helped him develop a deep emotional connection to his music. His unique blend of these influences led to a powerful vocal style and innovative slide guitar technique that became defining features of Delta blues.
• Discuss the significance of 'Death Letter Blues' in Son House's career and its impact on the blues genre.
  • 'Death Letter Blues' is one of Son House's signature songs that encapsulates his storytelling prowess and emotional depth. The song deals with themes of loss and longing, which resonate deeply with listeners. Its popularity helped solidify House's reputation as a prominent figure in the blues genre and showcased how personal experiences could shape the narratives within blues music, influencing countless artists who followed.
• Evaluate the influence of Son House on both traditional blues and its evolution into jazz, considering his techniques and stylistic contributions.
  • Son House's influence extends beyond traditional blues into the realm of jazz through his innovative techniques and emotional storytelling. His use of slide guitar added a distinctive sound that would be emulated by numerous musicians across genres. As jazz evolved, many elements of blues—including its rhythms and improvisational aspects—were integrated into jazz forms. The emotional honesty that Son House brought to his performances also paved the way for jazz musicians to explore deeper themes in their own work, establishing a bridge between these two influential genres.

Related terms

Delta Blues: A style of blues music originating from the Mississippi Delta, known for its raw emotion, acoustic instrumentation, and storytelling lyrics.

Slide Guitar: A guitar technique that involves sliding a metal or glass object along the strings to create a smooth, gliding sound, often used in blues music.

Blues Revival: A period during the 1960s when interest in traditional blues music surged, leading to renewed popularity for artists like Son House and other early blues musicians.