Doug Quattlebaum facts for kids

Elijah Douglas Quattlebaum (born January 22, 1929 – died March 1, 1996), known as Doug Quattlebaum, was an American Piedmont blues musician. He was a talented guitarist, singer, and songwriter.

Doug recorded his first song in 1953. Later, he became famous for playing blues music while working as an ice cream salesman!

Life Story and Music Career

Doug Quattlebaum was born in Florence, South Carolina. He was the only child from his mother's first marriage. For the first 13 years of his life, he lived there.

He loved the music of Blind Boy Fuller. Doug even made his own guitars from wire and cigar boxes. When he was 14, his family moved to Philadelphia. His stepfather bought him his first real guitar. He showed Doug how to play one chord. Doug then taught himself how to play the guitar very well.

Doug traveled and played guitar for several gospel groups. He believed he first recorded with a group called the Bells of Joy. In 1953, Doug recorded his own blues songs for Gotham Records. He made three songs: "Don't Be Funny, Baby," "Lizzie Lou," and "Foolin' Me." Two of these were released as a record.

His first record was not a big hit, and Doug wasn't widely known for a while. But by 1961, he was back to playing music. He played with the Ward Singers.

In June 1961, something special happened. A blues historian named Pete Welding heard Doug playing blues songs. Doug was playing them through the speakers of his Mister Softee ice cream van! Pete Welding helped Doug record a new album. This album was called Softee Man Blues and came out in 1963. The album cover even showed Doug in his ice cream uniform.

Music critics really liked the album. They praised his strong voice and guitar playing style. Doug wrote many of his own songs. He also sang his own versions of songs by other famous blues artists. These included songs by Blind Boy Fuller and Lightnin' Hopkins.

Because of his album, Doug started performing at folk music events. This was during a time when blues music was becoming popular again. He later returned to Philadelphia. Around 1970, he recorded another song for a small record label. It is thought that Doug became a minister after that.

Doug Quattlebaum passed away in March 1996 in Philadelphia. He was 67 years old. An album he recorded in 1961, If You've Ever Been Mistreated, was finally released the year after he died.

Music Records

Singles

Albums

See also

• List of Piedmont blues musicians