Charley Patton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charley Patton
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Publicity photo for Paramount Records, the only confirmed extant photograph of Patton, c. 1929
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| Born | c. April 1891 Hinds County, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Died | 28 April 1934 (aged 43) Heathman Plantation, Sunflower County, Mississippi, U.S. |
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| Years active | 1916–1934 |
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Charley Patton (born around April 1891 – died April 28, 1934) was an American Delta blues musician. Many people call him the "Father of the Delta Blues." He created a lot of important American music. He also inspired many other Delta blues musicians. A music expert named Robert Palmer thought he was one of the most important American musicians of the 1900s.
Patton spelled his own name Charlie. But many records and even his gravestone use the spelling Charley.
Contents
Charley Patton's Life Story
Patton was born in Hinds County, Mississippi. This was near the town of Edwards. He lived most of his life in Sunflower County. This area is part of the Mississippi Delta. Most sources say he was born in April 1891. But some suggest he was born a few years earlier.
Family and Heritage
Charley's parents were Bill and Annie Patton. However, some people believed his father was Henderson Chatmon. Henderson Chatmon was a former slave. Several of his children became popular Delta musicians. They played alone or in groups like the Mississippi Sheiks.
Patton was considered African-American. But he had light skin. This led to many ideas about his background. Some thought he might be Mexican or Cherokee. Most agree he had both Black and Native American heritage. Some believe he had a Cherokee grandmother. Others say he was part Choctaw. In his song "Down the Dirt Road Blues," Patton sang about going to "the Nation." This referred to the Cherokee Nation in Indian Territory. This area later became part of Oklahoma. Many Black Indians tried to claim land there.
Early Music and Influences
In 1897, Patton's family moved about 100 miles (160 km) north. They went to the Dockery Plantation. This was a large cotton farm and sawmill. It was near Ruleville, Mississippi. Here, Patton developed his unique musical style. He was influenced by Henry Sloan. Sloan played music in a new and unusual way. This style is now known as an early form of the blues.
Patton performed at Dockery and other nearby plantations. He also started playing with Willie Brown. Other famous musicians lived and played in this area. These included Tommy Johnson, Fiddlin' Joe Martin, Robert Johnson, and Chester Burnett. Chester Burnett later became famous as Howlin' Wolf. Patton was a mentor to these younger musicians.
Patton's Musical Style
Robert Palmer called Patton a "jack-of-all-trades bluesman." This means he could play many types of music. He played "deep blues" and white "hillbilly songs." He also played old ballads and other country dance music. He was popular all over the southern United States. He even performed in Chicago every year. In 1934, he played in New York City.
Unlike many blues musicians then, Patton had scheduled shows. He played at plantations and taverns. He was known for his exciting performances. Sometimes he would play the guitar on his knees. He also played it behind his head or behind his back. Patton was a small man, about 5 feet 5 inches (1.65m) tall. But his rough voice was said to be very loud. It could be heard from 500 yards away without a microphone! This singing style greatly influenced Howlin' Wolf.
Later Life and Passing
In 1933, Patton settled in Holly Ridge, Mississippi. He lived with his partner and fellow musician, Bertha Lee. In early 1934, they traveled to New York City. This was for Patton's final recording sessions. He recorded songs on January 30 and February 1.
He passed away on the Heathman-Dedham plantation. This was near Indianola. He died on April 28, 1934. He is buried in Holly Ridge. His death certificate says he died from a heart problem.
A special headstone was placed on Patton's grave in July 1990. Musician John Fogerty paid for it. The Mt. Zion Memorial Fund helped with this project.
Recognizing Charley Patton's Music
Charley Patton's music has received many honors. His work continues to be celebrated today.
Award-Winning Collections
A special collection of Patton's music was released in 2001. It was called Screamin' and Hollerin' the Blues: The Worlds of Charley Patton. This set included his recorded songs. It also featured music by his friends. In 2003, this collection won three Grammy Awards. These awards were for Best Historical Album, Best Boxed Set, and Best Album Notes. Another collection, The Definitive Charley Patton, also came out in 2001.
Important Recordings
Patton's song "Pony Blues" (from 1929) is very important. In 2006, it was added to the National Recording Registry. This registry is at the Library of Congress. It includes recordings that are "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." This means they are very important to American culture and history.
Documentary Film
In 2017, Charley Patton's story was told in a documentary series. It was called American Epic. The film showed old footage of musicians like Patton. It also had much better versions of his 1920s and 1930s recordings. The director, Bernard MacMahon, said Patton's music reflected the land. He felt that people in the Delta back then also believed this. Patton's story was also in the book American Epic: The First Time America Heard Itself.
Hall of Fame Honor
In May 2021, Charley Patton was honored by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He was added as an "Early Influence." This means he helped shape music that led to rock and roll.
Mississippi Blues Trail Markers
The Mississippi Blues Trail has placed historical markers for Charley Patton. These markers celebrate his importance in blues music.
One marker is on his grave in Holly Ridge, Mississippi. It recognizes him as a legendary bluesman. It also highlights his role in developing the blues in Mississippi.
Another marker is in Boyle, Mississippi. It is where the Peavine Railroad crosses Highway 446. This marker remembers Patton's song "Peavine Blues." The song talks about the railroad. Riding the railroad was a common theme in blues songs. It was a metaphor (a symbol) for travel and escape.
Charley Patton's Music
Charley Patton recorded many songs during his career. He recorded for labels like Paramount Records and Vocalion Records. His songs often told stories about life in the Mississippi Delta. He recorded many songs in 1929 and 1934. Some of his well-known songs include "Pony Blues," "High Water Everywhere," and "Screamin' and Hollerin' the Blues." He sometimes played with other musicians like Henry "Son" Sims and Willie Brown. He also recorded duets with Bertha Lee.
See also
In Spanish: Charlie Patton para niños
