Son House Vinyl Records & Discography

Who is Son House? A Brief Career Overview

Meet Son House, a legendary figure in the world of Delta blues, whose raw, emotional performances and innovative guitar style have left an indelible mark on the music landscape. Born Edward James House Jr. on March 21, 1902, in Lyon, Mississippi, and later moving through various influences and struggles, Son House became known not just as a blues singer and guitarist, but as a prophet of the human experience, channeling deep feelings of love, loss, and redemption through his haunting vocals and masterful slide guitar work.

With a career that saw him pioneering the Delta blues genre in the 1930s, before experiencing a stunning revival in the 1960s, House's music reaches across generations, resonating with fans of all ages. His unique blending of the rhythmic drive of his preaching with the soulful echo of blues is what sets him apart from his contemporaries. As you explore his discography, you'll find highlights like the 1930 Paramount Records sessions and his acclaimed 1965 album, The Legendary Son House: Father of the Delta Blues, which were pivotal in solidifying his status as a blues icon. His influence on vinyl culture is profound, as collectors seek his original recordings, which capture the essence of an artist whose roots run deep in American music history.

Son House's Early Life and Background

Son House's early years were steeped in both music and a strict religious upbringing. Born into a family of musicians, he was the second of three siblings. His father, Eddie House Sr., played the tuba in a family band but struggled with alcoholism, which impacted the household dynamic. Church life was central to Son's youth, and he was initially forbidden to pursue blues music, a style that contradicted his father's beliefs.

By the time he was eight, House's family situation transformed dramatically when his parents separated. His mother relocated him to Tallulah, Louisiana, and eventually to New Orleans' Algiers neighborhood, where he absorbed the vibrant musical culture of his surroundings. Early in his teens, he began preaching sermons, a role that helped hone his powerful vocal skills and stage presence. Is it any wonder that music ignited a passion within him, eventually leading him to the blues? These formative experiences, steeped in hardship and transcendence, shaped his worldview and laid the groundwork for a lifelong love of music--and ultimately, vinyl records.

The Musical Influences That Shaped Son House's Sound

Son House's sound is a tapestry woven with diverse influences. Among his most significant inspirations were fellow blues musicians such as Charley Patton and Robert Johnson. House's style is characterized by deep emotional punch, a testament to his preaching background, and a keen sense of rhythm. His adoption of bottleneck guitar techniques propelled him into the spotlight, showcasing his innate musicality.

Additionally, House admired the recordings of blues legends he came across during his formative years, and it's evident that these records shaped his artistry. His connection to vinyl culture also comes through as he later built a collection that influenced not just his style but the evolution of Delta blues. Albums like Patton's early releases would have certainly resonated with House as he carved his niche in the vast musical landscape.

How Son House Entered the Music Industry

Son House's entry into the music industry was as tumultuous as one would expect from a man who was born in challenging circumstances. At age 25, after a revelatory moment sparked by witnessing a friend play bottleneck guitar, House made a dramatic shift from the pulpit to performance. His first recordings came shortly thereafter, during a session for Paramount Records in 1930. Although the performances did not achieve commercial success, they cemented his place as a musician of note among local circles.

Throughout this period, House faced numerous obstacles, including a stint in the infamous Parchment Farm Penitentiary following an incident that resulted in a death. After his release, he found himself in Lula, Mississippi, where he recorded songs with his contemporaries. Despite facing setbacks, House's signature sound began to take shape, blending emotional storytelling with powerful guitar riffs. As he navigated the complexities of the music business, it was through sheer determination and talent that he eventually gained attention--and a record deal.

Son House's Breakthrough and Rise to Fame

The turning point in Son House's career came in the mid-1960s when he was rediscovered by a group of dedicated blues aficionados. With the aid of musician Alan Wilson, he began to reestablish himself in the thriving folk blues revival scene. His landmark album The Legendary Son House: Father of the Delta Blues, released by Columbia Records in 1965, showcased House's incredible talent and exposed him to a whole new audience, highlighting the sharp emotional depth and authenticity of his music.

This album's vinyl release garnered significant acclaim, reaching dedicated collectors and igniting interest in House's earlier recordings. His compelling live performances at festivals, clubs, and coffeehouses captivated audiences, and accolades began to roll in. With a newfound platform, House's impact on the blues genre became undeniable, influencing countless musicians who would follow. His legacy became enshrined in music history, proving that the Delta blues had a vibrant place in the evolution of American music.

How Personal Life Shaped Son House's Music

Son House's music is heavily infused with the trials and tribulations of his personal life. Issues such as his troubled relationships, struggles with alcohol, and the overarching challenges of his upbringing lent a poignant depth to his lyrical themes. Significant moments, like his marriage to Carrie Martin and the profound sense of loss he felt after various events in his life, seeped into the stories he told through song.

Inspirational figures, including his father, who eventually renounced his drinking, also shaped Son's outlook on personal struggle and redemption. Through his involvement in social issues and initiatives, House attempted to channel his message of resilience and hope. His turbulent life experiences compelled him to write songs that resonated with human emotion, and today, they find new audiences through vinyl releases that encapsulate his journey. Even controversies in his life, while sensitive, shaped him into the revered musician he became, showing the power of art as a vehicle for healing and expression.