Freddie Spruell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Freddie Spruell
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| Also known as | Papa Freddie, Mr. Freddie |
| Born | December 28, 1893 Lake Providence, Louisiana, United States |
| Died | June 19, 1956 (aged 62) Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Genres | Delta blues, country blues |
| Occupation(s) | Guitarist, singer, songwriter |
| Instruments | Guitar, vocals |
| Years active | 1920s–1940s |
| Labels | Okeh, Bluebird, Paramount |
Freddie Spruell (born December 28, 1893 – died June 19, 1956) was an American Delta blues guitarist and singer. People also knew him as Papa Freddie or Mr. Freddie. He is often seen as the first Delta blues musician to have his music recorded. His first song, "Milk Cow Blues", was recorded in 1926. Other blues artists like Mamie Smith and Blind Lemon Jefferson recorded earlier, but Spruell was the first from the Delta blues style.
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About Freddie Spruell
Freddie Spruell was likely born in Lake Providence, Louisiana. When he was a young child, his family moved to Chicago, Illinois. Even though he lived in a big city, his music sounded like Delta blues. This style of blues music came from the Mississippi Delta region.
His First Recordings
On June 25, 1926, Freddie Spruell recorded "Milk Cow Blues" in Chicago. This song was released by Okeh Records. The other side of the record had a song called "Muddy Water Blues". Both songs were credited to "Papa Freddie". Later, he released another record with "Way Back Down Home" and "Muddy Water Blues".
In 1928, he recorded more songs. One of these was "Tom Cat Blues", released by Paramount Records. For this record, he was called "Mr. Freddie Spruell".
Later Music and Life
In April 1935, Freddie Spruell recorded five more songs. These were released by Bluebird Records under the name "Mr. Freddie". During this time, he recorded "Let's Go Riding", which became his most famous song. Another musician, Carl Martin, played guitar with him on this track.
In the mid-1940s, Freddie Spruell stopped playing secular (non-religious) music. His mother wanted him to stop. He then became a Baptist preacher.
Freddie Spruell passed away in Chicago in June 1956. He was 62 years old. He had been in the hospital for a long time before he died.
His Legacy
Freddie Spruell's song "Let's Go Riding" was used in the movie Ghost World in 2001. This helped introduce his music to new audiences.
Discography
- Mississippi Blues, vol. 2 (1926–1935), The Complete Recorded Works of Arthur Petties, Freddie Spruell, Willie "Poor Boy" Lofton, Document Records, 1994
See also
- List of Delta blues musicians
