Curley Weaver facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Curley Weaver
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Curley James Weaver |
| Also known as | Slim Gordon |
| Born | March 25, 1906 Covington, Georgia, United States |
| Origin | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Died | September 20, 1962 (aged 56) Covington, Georgia |
| Genres | Blues |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Guitar, vocals |
| Years active | 1925–1959 |
| Associated acts | Blind Willie McTell, Barbecue Bob, the Georgia Browns, the Georgia Cotton Pickers |
Curley James Weaver (born March 25, 1906 – died September 20, 1962) was an American blues musician. He was also known as Slim Gordon. Curley was a talented guitarist and singer. He became famous for his blues music, especially the "Piedmont blues" style.
About Curley Weaver
Early Life and Music
Curley Weaver was born in Covington, Georgia, in 1906. He grew up on a farm near Porterdale. His mother, Savannah "Dip" Shepard Weaver, was a great musician. She played both piano and guitar. She taught Curley how to play music.
Curley also learned with his mother's friends' sons. These friends were "Barbecue Bob" and Charlie Hicks. The three of them formed a music group. They played with a harmonica player named Eddie Mapp. This group performed music in their local area.
Starting His Music Career
In 1925, Curley Weaver moved to Atlanta, Georgia. He worked as a laborer, doing physical jobs. But he also played music on the streets. He performed at parties and other social events.
Curley first recorded his music in 1928. He made records for Columbia Records. After that, he released music on many different labels. He made his own recordings during the 1920s and 1930s. At first, he played in the style his mother taught him. Later, he started playing the popular Piedmont blues style.
Curley was best known for playing with other musicians. He often played duets with Blind Willie McTell. They worked together until the 1950s. He also played with Barbecue Bob and Fred McMullen. Another musician he worked with was Buddy Moss, who played harmonica and guitar.
Curley was also part of two recording groups:
- The Georgia Browns: This group included Weaver, Buddy Moss, and Fred McMullen.
- The Georgia Cotton Pickers: This group had Barbecue Bob, Weaver, and Buddy Moss.
These groups were like the bands that played at house parties back then.
Later Years and Legacy
After World War II, Curley Weaver recorded more music. He made recordings in New York and Atlanta. He recorded as a solo artist and with Blind Willie McTell. His last recordings were made in 1949.
Curley worked for a railroad company for some time. In the 1950s, he lost his sight. He passed away in Covington, Georgia, in 1962. He was 56 years old.
Curley Weaver's daughter, Cora Mae Bryant, also became a blues musician.
