Bukka White facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bukka White
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Booker T. Washington White |
| Born | November 12, 1906 Between Aberdeen and Houston, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Died | February 26, 1977 (aged 70) Memphis, Tennessee |
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| Years active | Late 1920s–1977 |
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Booker T. Washington "Bukka" White (born November 12, 1906 – died February 26, 1977) was an American Delta blues guitarist and singer. He was known for his powerful voice and unique guitar playing style. Bukka White was a talented musician who influenced many artists.
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Who Was Bukka White?
Bukka White was born near Houston, Mississippi. He was a cousin to the mother of famous blues musician B.B. King. His nickname "Bukka" is a shorter way to say his first name, Booker. He was named after the important African-American leader Booker T. Washington.
Bukka White mostly played National resonator guitars. These guitars have metal cones inside that make them sound louder. He often used a slide on his finger to create a smooth, sliding sound. He also played the piano, but not as often.
His Musical Journey
Bukka White started his music career playing the fiddle at square dances. He said he met the famous blues musician Charley Patton early on. Patton was a big inspiration for White. He wanted to be a great musician just like Charley Patton.
White first recorded music for Victor Records in 1930. He recorded both country blues and gospel music songs. His gospel songs sounded like those by Blind Willie Johnson. A female singer would sing the last part of each line.
Time in Prison and Rediscovery
Nine years later, Bukka White was in prison. While there, he recorded songs for a music expert named John Lomax. Some of his most famous songs came from this time. These include "Shake 'Em On Down" and "Po' Boy". His 1937 song "Shake 'Em on Down" became very popular. He also wrote "Parchman Farm Blues" about his time in prison. This song was released in 1940.
After serving in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1944, White stopped playing music professionally. He worked other jobs in Memphis, Tennessee. In 1963, musician John Fahey and Ed Denson "rediscovered" him. This happened after Bob Dylan covered White's song "Fixin' to Die Blues".
Fahey and Denson found White by sending a letter to "Bukka White (Old Blues Singer)" in Aberdeen, Mississippi. The letter was sent to Memphis, where White was working. They traveled to meet him, and White started recording music again. He made a new album for their record label, Takoma Records.
Later in his life, Bukka White was friends with musician Furry Lewis. They even recorded an album together called Furry Lewis, Bukka White & Friends: Party! At Home.
Bukka White passed away from cancer in February 1977. He was 70 years old.
His Lasting Impact
Bukka White's music continues to inspire artists today.
- The band Led Zeppelin used parts of White's "Shake 'Em on Down" in their songs. These include "Hats Off to (Roy) Harper" and "Custard Pie".
- Electronic artist Recoil used parts of White's songs in their track "Electro Blues for Bukka White".
- In 1995, guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd covered White's song "Aberdeen, Mississippi".
- In 2010, Eric Bibb released an album called Booker's Guitar. He was inspired by holding White's famous guitar.
- Jeff Buckley recorded White's song "Parchman Farm Blues". It was released after Buckley's death.
In 1990, Bukka White was added to the Blues Hall of Fame. In 2011, his song "Fixin' to Die Blues" was added to the Grammy Hall of Fame Award list. He also has a special marker on the Mississippi Blues Trail in Houston, Mississippi.
Every year, the Bukka White Blues Festival is held in Aberdeen, Mississippi.
Bukka White's Albums
Studio albums
- Mississippi Blues (1964)
- Sky Songs (Vol. 1 & 2) (1965)
- Memphis Hot Shots (1968)
- Big Daddy (1974)
Live album
- Country Blues (1975)
Compilation albums
- Parchman Farm 1937–1940 (1969)
- Baton Rouge Mosby Street (1982)
- Aberdeen Mississippi Blues 1937–1940 (1985)
- Parchman Farm Blues (1992)
- Shake' Em on Down (1993)
- The Complete Bukka White 1937–1940 (1994)
- 1963 Isn't 1962 (1994)
- Good Gin Blues (1995)
- Shake 'Em on Down (1998)
- The Panama Limited (2000)
- Revisited (2003)
- Aberdeen Mississippi Blues: The Vintage Recordings 1930–1940 (2003)
- Mississippi Blues Giant (2003)
- Fixin' to Die (2004)
- Parchman Farm Blues (2004)
- Aberdeen, Mississippi Blues (2019)
Images for kids
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"Parchman Farm Blues" was about the Mississippi State Penitentiary.
See also
In Spanish: Bukka White para niños
