Lonnie Pitchford
Lonnie Pitchford (born October 8, 1955 in Lexington , Mississippi , † November 8, 1998 there ) was an American blues musician and instrument maker . He was one of the few musicians who carried on the tradition of early delta and country blues in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. In addition to the acoustic and electric guitar, he played the Diddley Bow , an instrument of African origin, basically a guitar with one string, as well as bass, piano and harmonica.
From Eugene Powell, who had performed with the Mississippi Sheiks , and Robert Lockwood Jr. Pitchford learned the Delta Blues, including some techniques that go back to Robert Johnson . Pitchford performed more often with Lockwood as well as with Johnny Shines . 1994 released Pitchford's only solo album All Round Man ; but it is also represented on several compilations. He performed at festivals but made a living as a carpenter. In the early 1990s, he toured Australia, Europe and the United States.
In November 1998, Lonnie Pitchford died of AIDS at home in Lexington ; he was 43 years old. He was buried in the New Port Baptist Church Cemetery in Holmes County , near the grave of Elmore James . A Diddley Bow is depicted on his headstone.
Movie
Lonnie Pitchford can be seen in two documentaries:
Web links
Individual evidence
- ^ A b c Jon Pareles: Lonnie Pitchford, 43, a Musician Who Nurtured the Delta Blues . Obituary in The New York Times , November 23, 1998
- ↑ a b Lonnie Pitchford on "Mississippi Writers & Musicians" (English)
- ↑ Allmusic, see web links
| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Pitchford, Lonnie |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | American blues musician and instrument maker |
| DATE OF BIRTH | October 8, 1955 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Lexington , Mississippi |
| DATE OF DEATH | November 8, 1998 |
| Place of death | Lexington , Mississippi |