Black Boy Shine facts for kids

Black Boy Shine (born Harold Holiday, around September 12, 1908 – died March 28, 1952) was an American Texas blues musician. He was a talented pianist, singer, and songwriter. Not much is known about his life outside of his music career.

Black Boy Shine was part of a group of blues pianists known as the 'Santa Fe Group'. These musicians often played in clubs near the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. He recorded many songs between 1936 and 1937 for record labels like Vocalion and Melotone. His music often shared stories about everyday life at that time.

Early Life and Music Career

Harold Holiday was born in Fort Bend County, Texas. He later lived mostly in Houston, especially in the Fourth Ward. This area greatly shaped his piano playing style.

Black Boy Shine was known for his smooth singing voice and elegant piano skills. His voice was often described as sweet and melodious. Some of his popular songs included "Dog House Blues" and "Back Home Blues". These songs were played in a lively barrelhouse style. His music often talked about the experiences of his audience.

In the mid-1930s, Black Boy Shine often performed with another pianist named Moon Mullican. They played together around Houston. For a short time, they even formed a duo called "Moonshine," combining parts of their nicknames.

Black Boy Shine also played piano for other artists. In 1935 and 1936, he recorded with Bernice Edwards and J. T. Smith. He even recorded piano duets with Bernice Edwards, like "Hot Mattress Stomp". From 1936 to 1937, Black Boy Shine recorded his own solo music. These recordings took place in San Antonio and Dallas.

The Santa Fe Piano Style

The 'Santa Fe Group' refers to a special style of piano playing from Texas. This style got its name because many musicians played in clubs located along the Santa Fe Railroad tracks. In the 1920s and 1930s, these clubs were popular places for black pianists to perform.

The Santa Fe style was a mix of different types of music. It combined dance music, boogie-woogie, ragtime, and blues. Famous pianists who played in this style included Black Boy Shine, Robert Shaw, Pinetop Burks, Rob Cooper, and Andy Boy. Many other talented musicians played this style but were never recorded.

This unique piano style was especially known for coming from the Fourth Ward in Houston. Other parts of Houston had their own blues styles. For example, Lightnin' Hopkins was a bluesman from the Third Ward. George Washington Thomas was a pianist from the Fifth Ward, and he had a different way of playing.

Later Years and Passing

Black Boy Shine passed away in 1952 in Sugar Land, Texas. He was 43 years old. He was laid to rest in Stafford Colored Cemetery in Stafford, Texas.

His Musical Impact

Black Boy Shine's music and influence are still remembered today. He was mentioned in an essay titled "From Bumble Bee Slim to Black Boy Shine: Nicknames of Blues Singers". This essay was written by David Evans. It was part of a book called Ramblin' on My Mind: New Perspectives on the Blues.

In 1994, all of Black Boy Shine's recorded songs were released on a CD. This collection was put out by Document Records.

Compilation Albums

• 1994: Black Boy Shine & Black Ivory King 1936-1937, (Document)
• 1996: Leroy Carr and Black Boy Shine, (Document)

See also

• List of Texas blues musicians