Sleepy John Estes facts for kids

John Adam Estes (born January 25, 1899 or 1900 – died June 5, 1977), known as Sleepy John Estes, was an American blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter. His music was very important. It even influenced famous bands like The Beatles and Led Zeppelin, and singers like Bob Dylan.

Early Life and Music Career

John Estes was born in Ripley, Tennessee. The exact year is either 1899 or 1900. In 1915, his family moved to Brownsville, Tennessee. His father was a sharecropper and played the guitar.

When John was young, he lost sight in his right eye. This happened when a friend accidentally threw a rock at him. At age 19, he started playing music professionally. He performed at parties and picnics. He often played with Hammie Nixon, who played harmonica, and James "Yank" Rachell, who played guitar and mandolin. Estes worked with these musicians for over 50 years. He also performed in traveling medicine shows.

First Recordings and Later Work

In 1929, John Estes made his first recordings. This happened in Memphis, Tennessee. He recorded for Victor Records. In 1935, he recorded songs like "Drop Down Mama" and "Someday Baby Blues." He also worked with other musicians like Son Bonds.

He continued to record for other labels. These included Decca Records and Bluebird Records. His last recordings before World War II were in 1941. He recorded again briefly in 1952 at Sun Studio in Memphis. But for much of the 1940s and 1950s, he was not well-known.

His Unique Style and Return to Music

Estes had a special "crying" sound when he sang. He often played with very skilled musicians. These included Yank Rachell, Hammie Nixon, and piano player Jab Jones. Even on his early records, he sounded like an old man. Because of this, some blues fans thought he had already passed away.

In 1962, blues historians found him. He was completely blind and struggling financially. He started touring again with Hammie Nixon. He also recorded new music for Delmark Records. In 1964, Estes, Nixon, and Rachell performed at the Newport Folk Festival.

Songs About His Life

Many of John Estes's songs were about his own life. They were also about people he knew in his hometown of Brownsville. For example, he sang about the local lawyer in "Lawyer Clark Blues." He also sang about the auto mechanic in "Vassie Williams' Blues." He even gave advice in "Working Man Blues." One song, "Special Agent (Railroad Police Blues)," was about trying to catch a freight train to a recording studio. His songs showed how well he observed things. He was also great at putting his thoughts into words.

How He Got His Nickname

People called him "Sleepy" John Estes. Some thought it was because of a health issue. But Bob Koester, who started Delmark Records, said Estes just tended to get drowsy. This happened when life was too hard or boring.

Estes himself explained the nickname. He said it came from his busy life as a musician and farmer. He would work all day and play music all night. Then he would get home around sunrise. He would immediately go back to farming. He once fell asleep in a shed. He said he fell asleep so much while playing that people called him Sleepy. But he always said he "never missed a note."

Death and Legacy

Estes's grave in Durhamville, Tennessee, 2008

John Estes had a stroke while getting ready for a tour in Europe. He passed away on June 5, 1977. He died at his home in Brownsville, Tennessee. He is buried in Durhamville, Tennessee.

His gravestone has a special message. It says: "Sleepy John Estes... '..ain't goin' to worry Poor John's mind anymore'". This line comes from his song "Someday Baby Blues."

In 1991, John Estes was honored. He was added to the Blues Hall of Fame.

His Influence on Other Musicians

Many famous musicians were inspired by Sleepy John Estes. Led Zeppelin's singer, Robert Plant, said Estes was one of his first influences. Bob Dylan wrote about Estes in the notes for his album Bringing It All Back Home. John Lennon of The Beatles also remembered listening to Sleepy John Estes when he was younger.

Today, John Estes's old two-room home is on display. You can see it in Brownsville, Tennessee. It's near Tina Turner's old school and museum.

Recordings

Albums

• The Legend of Sleepy John Estes (Delmark, 1963)
• Broke and Hungry (Ragged and Dirty, Too) (Delmark, 1964)
• Electric Sleep (Delmark, 1968)
• Brownsville Blues (Delmark, 1965)
• Down South Blues (Delmark)
• Sleepy John Estes in Europe (Delmark, 1999)

Compilations

• Sleepy John Estes, 1929–1940 (RBF Records)
• Complete Recorded Works 1929–1941, vols. 1 and 2 (Document)
• I Ain't Gonna Be Worried No More 1929–1941 (Yazoo)

See also

In Spanish: Sleepy John Estes para niños

• American Folk Blues Festival
• Anthology of American Folk Music
• Country blues
• List of blues musicians
• List of people from Tennessee
• Memphis blues