Laughing Charley Lincoln

Laughing Charley Lincoln (actually Charley Hicks ; born March 11, 1900 in Lithonia , Georgia ; † September 28, 1963 ) was an American blues guitarist and singer. With his younger brother Barbecue Bob (Robert Hicks) he was one of the main exponents of the Atlanta Blues .

The two brothers Charley (sometimes written as "Charlie") and Robert Hicks probably learned to play guitar together with Curley Weaver from his mother Savannah "Dip" Shepard. They performed together in their home area.

In 1923 Charley went to Atlanta and began playing a 12-string guitar. The following year he was followed by his brother Robert, and Weaver also came around 1925.

In 1927 a talent scout became aware of Robert Hicks and took pictures with him, which sold quite successfully under the stage name "Barbecue Bob". At Barbecue Bob's recommendation, his brother was also able to record as "Laughing Charley Lincoln".

Charley's first recording It Won't Be Long Now was with Barbecue Bob, the next track Hard Luck Blues became a hit even without his brother's support. However, Laughing Charley could never come close to his brother's success.

In 1931 Barbecue Bob died and Laughing Charley became addicted to alcohol. He shouldn't take any more pictures. He came into conflict with the law and was sentenced to 20 years in prison for a murder in 1955. Laughing Charley Lincoln died in prison in September 1963.

Web links

• Article about the Atlanta blues guitarists