Big Joe Williams
October 16, 1903 – December 17, 1982
Big Joe Williams was a Delta blues guitarist and singer who recorded several blues hits for Bluebird Records during the late ’30s and early ’40s. He was renowned for playing the 9-string guitar. Some of his songs, like “Calling King Snake,” and “Baby Please Don’t Go” have been covered by both blues and rock artists ever since. He enjoyed a career renaissance during the folk revival of the ‘6os, playing the major festivals and coffeehouse circuit of America. Big Joe Williams was 78 when he passed away on December 17, 1982.