Willie Trice facts for kids

William Augusta Trice (born February 10, 1908 – died December 11, 1976) was an American blues musician. He was a talented guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Willie Trice released a few songs and one album during his career. He was known for staying true to the blues style from his home state of North Carolina. This style is often called Piedmont blues or country blues.

Willie Trice's Early Life and Music

Willie Trice was born in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He was likely born in 1908, though some records say 1910 or 1911. By 1920, his family had moved to Raleigh.

Willie grew up in a musical family. His mother played the organ at church. His father was a music teacher. However, it was mainly his uncle who taught Willie how to play blues guitar.

Musical Influences and Starting Out

One of Willie's biggest musical heroes was Reverend Gary Davis. He was also known as Blind Gary Davis.

In the 1930s, Willie formed a music duo with his younger brother, Richard Trice. They played together in Durham, North Carolina. They played a type of blues music that was influenced by ragtime. This style was very popular in the Carolinas at that time.

The Trice brothers became friends with another blues musician, Blind Boy Fuller, in 1933. This friendship helped them get the chance to record their music in a studio.

Recording Music and Later Years

In July 1937, Willie Trice recorded two songs for Decca Records. He was listed as "Welly Trice" on these recordings. His brother Richard played second guitar on the songs. The songs were "Come On in Here Mama" and "Let Her Go God Bless Her."

These songs did not become big hits. Because of this, Willie did not record music again for many years. However, he was still well-known for playing music locally in North Carolina during the 1930s and 1940s.

Health Challenges and New Recordings

In the late 1960s, Willie faced some serious health challenges. Despite this, he continued to play music when he could.

In 1971, he recorded two new songs he wrote for Trix Records. These songs were "Three Little Kittens Rag" and "One Dime Blues." They were released as a single record the next year.

Between 1971 and December 1973, Willie recorded many more songs. Several of these were also written by him. These songs were put together to make an album called Blue and Rag'd. Trix Records released this album in 1975. It was later re-released on CD twenty years later.

In September 1972, a blues historian named Bruce Bastin interviewed Willie Trice. Bruce was very interested in the history of blues music in the southeastern United States.

Willie Trice lived his entire life in the same area of North Carolina. He kept playing music as much as his health and money allowed.

Willie Trice's Passing

Willie Trice passed away at his home in Durham, North Carolina, in December 1976. He was 68 years old. He was buried at Mount Sinai Baptist Church Cemetery in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. His brother Richard, who passed away in 2000, was buried next to him.

Discography

Willie Trice released one album during his career.

CD Album

See also

In Spanish: Willie Trice para niños