Jerron "Blind Boy" Paxton facts for kids

Jerron "Blind Boy" Paxton (born January 26, 1989) is an American musician from Los Angeles. He is a talented singer and plays many different instruments. His music sounds like old blues and jazz from before World War II. He was inspired by famous musicians like Fats Waller and Blind Lemon Jefferson. A music critic once said that Jerron is one of the only musicians his age who truly understands and plays the blues music from the 1920s and 1930s. He plays instruments like the guitar, banjo, piano, and violin.

Early Life and Music

Jerron grew up in the Watts area of Los Angeles. His grandparents moved there from Louisiana in 1956. These family roots helped him discover his love for music. As a young boy, he listened to a local blues radio station. He also heard old Cajun music and country blues songs that his grandmother used to sing.

These early sounds made Jerron very interested in music. He learned a lot about these old styles. He started playing the fiddle when he was twelve years old. Two years later, he began to play the banjo. Jerron is also Jewish. He finished high school at Verbum Dei High School in 2007.

As a teenager, Jerron started to lose his eyesight. By the time he was 16, he had lost most of his vision. While he was a student at Verbum Dei, he worked at the Braille Institute of America.

Music Career

In 2007, Jerron moved to upstate New York. He went to Marist College there. Soon after, he started playing music shows around the Brooklyn area. Even though he was not signed to a record label, he kept playing at different music festivals. These festivals featured Old-time music, blues, and American folk music. He also opened shows for other old-time bands like The Dust Busters.

In 2014, Jerron was chosen for an important role. He became the artistic director of the Port Townsend Acoustic Blues Workshop and Festival. This event is organized by Centrum in Port Townsend, Washington. He took over this role from other famous musicians.

The magazine Living Blues featured Jerron on its cover in December 2012. The issue was called "The Next Generation of the Acoustic Blues."

In 2014, Jerron used his voice and singing talent for a cartoon show. He voiced a character called "The Highwayman" in an episode of Over the Garden Wall.

Jerron also appeared in a movie in 2017. It was an award-winning documentary film called The American Epic Sessions. In the film, he recorded a song called "Candy Man." He used a special old recording system from the 1920s.

Musical Style

Many people admire Jerron's musical talent. He is often compared to other great acoustic blues artists. These include Taj Mahal, Keb' Mo', and Corey Harris. He is one of the few modern African-American banjo players who perform today. Groups like the Carolina Chocolate Drops also play the banjo.

Since he was a child, Jerron has learned many instruments. He plays the piano, harmonica, Cajun accordion, ukulele, guitar, and the bones. The banjo was the first instrument he learned seriously. Besides blues and jazz, he uses these instruments to play ragtime, country blues, and Cajun music.

Music Releases

Albums

• Direct-To-Disc - Volume 1 (2012)
• Direct-To-Disc - Volume 2 (2012)
• Featured on Over The Garden Wall (Original Television Soundtrack) (2014)
• Recorded Music For Your Entertainment (2015)
• Things Done Changed (2024)

EPs

• Jalopy Records 7" Series: Jerron Paxton (2018)

Singles

• 2012: "Dirtiest Little Darling"/"Railroad Bill"