Topic: Who was the loudest?

[askthewinds]

Who was the loudest blues artist?

The possible artists that come to my mind are Charlie Patton, Blind Lemon Jefferson and Tommy Johnson.  I once read an interview in which somebody claimed Patton was "quiet" in person.  I have read interviews from those that claim that Tommy Johnson sounded "better" in person than he did on record.  And I haven't heard anything about Blind Willie Johnson...

I would guess Patton was the loudest because of the way his voice strains on the recordings (at least during his original session).  He is pure intensity, all the time.  And the recordings clue into his velocity, in the unbalanced levels between Charlie's speaking voice and singing voice. 

Anyway, it's an interesting question and I wonder what y'all think.

[harriet]

My thoughts are Frank Stokes, Son House and Reverend Gary Davis. I remember seeing RGD at college and he reached the back of the auditorium, I don't think he needed a mic. I'm guessing on Frank Stokes but I would think that his voice reached pretty far and wide.  I also would be interested in what others think on the subject.

[JohnLeePimp]

McClennan liked to yell it out some and BB Fuller was almost Patton ferocious on "When you are gone"- post war Eli Green and LC Williams were much louder than their famouser counterparts

Gospel it'd have to be the Rev. Utah Smith

[Mr.OMuck]

Bessie!

[oddenda]

Ma Rainey... and any pre-microphone singers!

pbl