Yank Rachell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Yank Rachell
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Rachell performing in Hamburg, Germany, February 1978
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | James A. Rachel |
| Born | March 16, 1910 near Brownsville, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Died | April 9, 1997 (aged 94) Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S. |
| Genres | Country blues, blues |
| Instruments | Mandolin, guitar |
| Years active | 1929–1997 |
| Associated acts | Sleepy John Estes Hammie Nixon Taj Mahal |
Yank Rachell (born James A. Rachel; March 16, 1903 or 1910 – April 9, 1997) was an American country blues musician. He was often called an "elder statesman of the blues." This means he was a very respected and experienced blues musician. His career as a performer lasted almost 70 years, from the late 1920s to the 1990s.
Contents
Yank Rachell's Musical Journey
Yank Rachell grew up in Brownsville, Tennessee. There is some discussion about his exact birth year. Some records suggest he was born in 1903, while his gravestone shows 1910.
Early Life and Instruments
Yank Rachell was a talented guitarist and singer. However, he was best known as a master of the blues mandolin. He got his first mandolin when he was only eight years old. He traded a pig, which his family had given him to raise, for the instrument.
A Long and Active Career
In 1958, Yank Rachell moved to Indianapolis. This was during a time when American folk music, including blues, became popular again. He recorded music for different record companies, like Delmark Records and Blue Goose Records.
He often performed with his friend, the guitarist and singer Sleepy John Estes. One of the songs he wrote, "She Caught the Katy," became a famous blues standard. This means it's a well-known and often-played blues song.
Appearing in Films
Yank Rachell also appeared in a documentary film. In 1985, he was in Louie Bluie. This film was directed by Terry Zwigoff. In the movie, Rachell performed with musician John Sebastian and his band, the J-Band.
Even late in his life, Yank Rachell kept playing music. He suffered from arthritis, which made it harder to play for long periods. But he still recorded an album called Too Hot for the Devil just before he passed away.
See also
- List of country blues musicians
- List of Piedmont blues musicians
