Skip James, American singer-songwriter and guitarist (d. 1969)
Nehemiah Curtis "Skip" James (June 9, 1902 – October 3, 1969) was an American Delta blues singer, guitarist, pianist and songwriter.
His guitar playing is noted for its dark, minor-key sound, played in an open D-minor tuning with an intricate fingerpicking technique. James first recorded for Paramount Records in 1931, but these recordings sold poorly, having been released during the Great Depression, and he drifted into obscurity.
After a long absence from the public eye, James was rediscovered in 1964 by blues enthusiasts including John Fahey, helping further the blues and folk music revival of the 1950s and early 1960s. During this period, James appeared at folk and blues festivals, gave concerts around the country, and recorded several albums for various record labels. His songs have influenced generations of musicians and have been adapted by numerous artists. He has been hailed as "one of the seminal figures of the blues."
1902Jun, 9
Skip James
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Events on 1902
- 28Jan
Andrew Carnegie
The Carnegie Institution of Washington is founded in Washington, D.C. with a $10 million gift from Andrew Carnegie. - 27Feb
Breaker Morant
Second Boer War: Australian soldiers Harry "Breaker" Morant and Peter Handcock are executed in Pretoria after being convicted of war crimes. - 17May
Antikythera mechanism
Greek archaeologist Valerios Stais discovers the Antikythera mechanism, an ancient mechanical analog computer. - 14Jul
Piazza San Marco
The Campanile in St Mark's Square, Venice collapses, also demolishing the loggetta. - 9Aug
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
Edward VII and Alexandra of Denmark are crowned King and Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.