John Henry Barbee (November 14, 1905 – November 3, 1964) was an American blues singer and guitarist. He was born in Henning, Tennessee. and that he changed his name with the commencement of his recording career, in tribute to his favorite folk song, "The Ballad of John Henry", but this claim is not supported by census records, in which he is registered as the son of Beecher Barbee and Cora Gilford.

Biography

Barbee toured in the 1930s throughout the American South, singing and playing slide guitar. He teamed up with Big Joe Williams and, later, with Sunnyland Slim in Memphis, Tennessee. Travelling down to Mississippi, he met Sonny Boy Williamson and played with him off and on for several years. to raise monies to honor Barbee's unmarked grave with a headstone. The event was a success, and a stone was placed in June 2010.

Discography

  • Portraits in Blues, vol. 9 (Storyville, 1964), studio album
  • Blues Live! 1964, (Storyville, 1985), split album with live shows by Barbee and Sleepy John Estes
  • Blues Masters, vol. 3 (Storyville, 1994), compilation

See also

  • List of blues musicians
  • List of country blues musicians
  • List of Delta blues musicians

References

Other sources

  • Oliver, Paul; Albertson, Chris (1964, 1981). LP liner notes. I Ain't Gonna Pick No More Cotton. Blues Roots, vol. 3. Storyville SLP 4037.
  • Illustrated John Henry Barbee discography
  • Bluebeat.com biography