Peg Leg Howell
Joshua Barnes Howell (born March 5, 1888 in Eatonton , Georgia , † April 11, 1966 in Atlanta , Georgia), known as Peg Leg Howell ( wooden leg Howell ), was an American blues guitarist, singer and songwriter.
"Peg Leg" Howell is assigned to the Atlanta Blues . He is considered to be the link between the black farm worker singing and the early blues.
Farm worker Howell taught himself to play guitar at the age of 20. In 1916, his right leg had to be amputated after a shooting with his brother-in-law, hence his nickname. In 1923 Howell moved to Atlanta, where he made music on the street. He also smuggled alcohol, which earned him a year in prison in 1925.
After his release he made his first recordings for Columbia Records . Several other recordings followed by 1929, partly solo, partly with Henry Williams (guitar) and Eddie Anthony (fiddle), which also accompanied him on the street. Howell's recordings include New Prison Blues , Skin Game Blues and New Jelly Roll Blues .
After the final recordings, Williams went to jail, Anthony died in 1934, and Howell was gradually forgotten. In 1952 he lost his second leg as a result of his diabetes .
In 1963 Howell was "discovered" again and made new recordings. He died in Atlanta in 1966.
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| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Howell, Peg Leg |
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES | Howell, Joshua Barnes (real name) |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | American blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter |
| DATE OF BIRTH | March 5, 1888 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Eatonton , Georgia |
| DATE OF DEATH | April 11, 1966 |
| Place of death | Atlanta , Georgia |