Henry Townsend (musician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry Townsend
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Townsend performing in St. Louis, 1983
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Henry Jesse James Townsend |
| Born | October 27, 1909 Shelby, Mississippi, United States |
| Died | September 24, 2006 (aged 96) Mequon, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Genres | Blues |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, musician |
| Instruments | Guitar, piano |
| Years active | 1920s–2000s |
Henry "Mule" Townsend was a famous American blues musician. He was a talented singer, guitarist, and pianist. He was born on October 27, 1909, and passed away on September 24, 2006.
Contents
Early Life and Music Journey
Henry Jesse James Townsend was born in Shelby, Mississippi. His father was also a blues musician. He played the guitar and accordion. When Henry was young, his family moved close to Cairo, Illinois.
Henry left home when he was nine years old. He traveled to St. Louis, Missouri on his own. In his early teens, he learned to play the guitar. His teacher was a well-known local blues guitarist named Dudlow Joe. Henry wanted to make a living with his music. He also worked other jobs like an auto mechanic and a shoe shiner.
Becoming "Mule" and Recording Music
By the late 1920s, Henry started touring and recording music. He often played with pianist Walter Davis. Henry earned the nickname "Mule." This was because he was strong and determined, both physically and in his personality.
In St. Louis, he worked with early blues pioneers. One of them was J. D. Short. During this time, Henry also learned to play the piano.
A Long-Lasting Career
Henry Townsend was one of the few artists to record music in nine different decades. He made his first recording in 1929. This was for Columbia Records in Chicago. He continued to be active until 2006. In 1935 alone, he performed on 35 recordings!
By the mid-1990s, Henry and his friend Yank Rachell were almost the only active blues artists. Their careers had started all the way back in the 1920s. Henry recorded for several different music labels. These included Columbia, Bluesville Records, and Folkways Records.
Blues Music in Europe
By the mid-1950s, the St. Louis style of blues became less popular in the United States. So, Henry Townsend began to work in Europe. He felt his music was more appreciated there. His concerts in Europe attracted many people. He also performed at many music festivals. Henry often joked that he had been "rediscovered three or four times."
Sharing His Story
Henry Townsend was a very clear-thinking person. He had an excellent memory. He gave many important interviews to people who loved blues music and to scholars. Paul Oliver recorded him in 1960. He used Henry's words a lot in his 1967 book, Conversations with the Blues. This book was added to the Blues Hall of Fame in 1991.
Later, Bill Greensmith used thirty hours of Henry's recorded interviews. He created a full book about Henry's life called A Blues Life. This book gives a clear picture of the blues music scene in St. Louis and East St Louis when it was at its best.
In 1979, Bob West recorded Henry in St. Louis. This recording was later released on CD in 2002. It was called The Real St. Louis Blues.
Henry Townsend's Final Days
Henry Townsend passed away on September 24, 2006. He was 96 years old. This happened at St. Mary's Ozaukee Hospital in Mequon, Wisconsin. Just hours before, he had been the first person to receive a "key" in Grafton's Paramount Plaza Walk of Fame.
Selected Music Albums
Henry Townsend released many albums throughout his career. Here are some of his notable works:
- 1966: Blues Rediscoveries (Folkways Records)
- 1970: The Country Blues: Vol. 2 (Folkways Records)
- 1973: Henry T. Music Man (Adelphi Records AD1016)
- 1980: Mule (Nighthawk)
- 1984: The Blues in St. Louis, Vol. 3: Henry Townsend (Folkways Records)
- 1998: The 88 Blues (Blueberry Hill Records)
- 2001: The Real St. Louis Blues (Arcola Records, recorded 1979)
- 2003: Classic Blues from Smithsonian Folkways (Smithsonian Folkways)
- 2004: My Story (APO Records)
- 2007: Last of the Great Mississippi Delta Bluesmen: Live in Dallas (Blue Shoe Project)
- 2008: Classic Piano Blues from Smithsonian Folkways (Smithsonian Folkways)
- 2015: Original St. Louis Blues Live (Wolf Records, recorded 1980)
Film Appearances
Henry Townsend also appeared in several films about blues music:
- 1970, reissued 1986: Blues Like Showers of Rain
- 1999: Hellhounds on My Trail: The Afterlife of Robert Johnson (directed by Robert Mugge)
- 2007: 10 Days Out: Blues From the Backroads
- unknown date: The Devil's Music: A History of the Blues
Awards and Special Honors
Henry Townsend received many awards and honors for his contributions to blues music.
Blues Music Award Nominations
- In 1980, his album Mule was nominated. It was for the first national Blues Music Awards. The category was Traditional Blues Album.
- In 1982, his album St. Louis Blues was also nominated. He recorded this album with his wife, Vernell Townsend. It was also in the Traditional Blues Album category.
National Heritage Fellowship
In 1985, Henry received a National Heritage Fellowship. This award is given by the National Endowment for the Arts. It is the highest honor from the United States government for folk and traditional arts.
St. Louis Walk of Fame
In 1995, Henry Townsend was added to the St. Louis Walk of Fame. This recognizes famous people from St. Louis.
Grammy Award
On February 10, 2008, Henry was given a Grammy Award. This was his first Grammy, and it was awarded after he passed away. The award was for Best Traditional Blues Album. It was for his performances on Last of the Great Mississippi Delta Bluesmen: Live In Dallas. Henry's son, Alonzo Townsend, accepted the award for him.
Mississippi Blues Trail Marker
On December 4, 2009, a special marker was placed. It honored Henry Townsend on the Mississippi Blues Trail.
See also
In Spanish: Henry Townsend para niños
- List of blues musicians
- Chicago Blues Festival
- Kentuckiana Blues Society
