Bo Weavil Jackson facts for kids

Bo Weavil Jackson was an American blues musician. He was a singer and a guitarist. We don't know exactly when or where he was born or died.

He was one of the very first country blues musicians to make records. This happened in 1926. He recorded for two record companies: Paramount Records and Vocalion Records. When he recorded for Vocalion, he used a different name: Sam Butler. Today, many people know him best by this name.

His old records, called 78-rpm records, are very special. Collectors, who are people who gather rare items, really want them. His music has also been put on newer collections. These are called LP and CD compilation albums.

Bo Weavil Jackson had a unique way of playing music. His songs often had a fast and lively beat. He also used many different tunes and played the guitar without planning every note. This made his music sound very exciting.

Many people think Jackson lived and played music in Birmingham, Alabama. This is because he sang about that area in his songs. It also seems that talent scouts found him playing on the street there. However, the record companies said he was from North Carolina. A music expert named Eugene Chadbourne said Paramount Records promoted him as coming "down from the Carolinas." After his recordings in 1926, there isn't much more information about him.

His music has been written down in special ways. This includes both musical notes and tablature. Tablature is a way to show guitar players where to put their fingers. These writings have helped people study his unique music style and how he played.

Recordings

Here are some of the songs Bo Weavil Jackson recorded:

• "You Can't Keep No Brown" / "Pistol Blues", Paramount 12389
• "When the Saints Come Marching Home" / "I'm on My Way to the Kingdom Land", Paramount 12390
• "Why Do You Moan" / "Some Scream High Yellow", Paramount 12423
• "You Can't Keep No Brown" / "Devil and My Brown Blues", Vocalion 1055 (This one was never officially released)
• "Heaven Is My View" / "Christians Fight On (Your Time Ain't Long)", Vocalion 1056
• "Poor Boy Blues" / "Jefferson County Blues", Vocalion 1057

Compilations

His music has also been released on collections with other artists:

• Bo Weavil Jackson (Sam Butler) 1926, Complete Recordings in Chronological Order (Matchbox, 1982)
• Backwoods Blues (1926–1935): The Complete Recorded Works in Chronological Order of Sam Butler (Bo Weavil Jackson), Bobby Grant, King Solomon Hill, Lane Hardin (Document, 1991)