Eddie James House Jr., also known as “Son House,” was a prominent figure in the world of blues music. Born in Lyon, Mississippi to Eddie House, Sr. and Maggie House, he grew up in a family with a rich musical background. As a middle child with two brothers, Rathel House, and Lee Jackson House, Eddie’s early life was influenced by the sounds of gospel music and the church.
His musical journey began with a strong inclination towards gospel singing, which led him to become a preacher at a young age. Despite initially shunning instruments and rejecting blues music, his exposure to the slide guitar work of James McCoy and Willie Wilson ignited a passion for the blues. This marked a significant turning point in his life as he transitioned from a preacher to a blues performer, developing his own unique bottleneck guitar style and vocal approach deeply influenced by his gospel roots.
However, his newfound musical path was not without its challenges. Following two years in Mississippi’s Parchman Farm prison for what he claimed was an act of self-defense, he found himself exiled from Clarksdale, Mississippi. It was during this time in the nearby town of Lula that he crossed paths with renowned Delta blues stars Charlie Patton and Willie Brown, who recognized his talent and became close friends and performing partners.
House’s musical journey continued to unfold as he joined Patton and Brown for recording sessions at Paramount Records in 1930, producing recordings that are now considered blues classics. Despite keeping a lower profile after Patton’s death, House’s influence in the blues scene remained significant. His collaboration with Alan Lomax in the early 1940s resulted in further recordings that captured the essence of prewar Delta blues.
In 1964, House experienced a resurgence in his career when he was rediscovered by blues and folk music enthusiasts. This led to a remarkable comeback as he emerged as one of the most celebrated artists of the blues and folk revival of the 1960s and 1970s. His performances at major folk festivals and tours across the United States and Europe solidified his status as a revered figure in the blues genre.
Throughout this period, House not only recorded extensively but also shared invaluable firsthand information about prewar Delta blues, including insights into influential figures such as Charlie Patton and Robert Johnson. His emphasis on the significance of blues and gospel music as expressions of the heart distinguished him as a passionate advocate for the authenticity of the blues genre.
Eddie “Son” House’s legacy transcends his musical contributions. His impact on the blues and folk revival era continues to resonate, shaping the understanding and appreciation of this genre for generations to come. Despite facing personal and professional challenges throughout his life, his dedication to his craft and unwavering commitment to the music he loved cemented his place as a true icon of the blues.
On October 21, 1988, Eddie “Son” House passed away in Detroit, Michigan, leaving behind a lasting legacy that has left an indelible mark on the world of music. His influence lives on through his recordings, performances, and the profound impact he had on the blues genre, ensuring that his memory will endure as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring musicians and dedicated fans alike.