Early Life
Charley Patton was born in April between 1880 and 1890 in Hinds County Mississippi. Patton lived most of his life in Sunflower County which is in the Mississippi Delta. Patton was described to have light skin and white characteristics. In 1897 Patton’s family moved to Dockery Plantation near Ruleville Mississippi which is where Patton developed much of his musical style that is heavily influential in blues. Patton settled with his wife and recording partner, Bertha Lee, in 1933. They were known to have an interesting relationship which included them both being incarcerated after a harsh fight.
Contribution to The Blues
Charley Patton is known as a very diverse bluesman. He played hillbilly songs, deep blues, nineteenth century ballads, and different varieties of black and white country dance music. Patton mostly performed at plantations and taverns where he gained a lot of popularity for his showmanship with his guitar and his loud voice. Patton would play his guitar with loads of passion, behind his head, behind his back, and down on his knees. Some of his most famous songs were Down the Dirt Road Blues, A Spoonful Blues, and Pony Blues.
Legacy
Charlie Patton died on April 28th 1934 from an apparent mitral valve disorder. Today, some denote Charlie Patton as the “Father of Delta Blues”. Charlie Patton’s work is also thought to have influenced many blues artist such as Muddy Watters and Howlin’ Wolf. Overall, Charlie Patton made an outstanding impact on blues music as well as other genres such as rock and roll.
