Topic: Henry Townsend's long recording career from 1929-2006

[cjblues04]

St. Louis blues musician Henry Townsend (1909-2006) started recording on November 15, 1929, with "Henry's Worry Blues", "Mistreated Blues", "Poor Man Blues", and "Long Ago Blues". He had just turned 20 less than a month prior.

He is the only blues musician whose recording career lasted in 9 consecutive decades, from the 1920s into the 2000s. Very interesting feat, if I do say so myself.

[jostber]

Mr.Townsend had a staying power that was more than impressive and he was a musical force in the blues through all the years. This Missouri article is a good one describing his incredible longevity:

Nine Decades Playing the Blues | Missouri Historical Society

https://mohistory.org/blog/nine-decades-playing-the-blues/

[cjblues04]

Mr.Townsend had a staying power that was more than impressive and he was a musical force in the blues through all the years. This Missouri article is a good one describing his incredible longevity:

Nine Decades Playing the Blues | Missouri Historical Society

https://mohistory.org/blog/nine-decades-playing-the-blues/

Thank you for this magnificent article. It really shows what his early life was like, and how he managed to survive the hardships of the 1920s - 1950s. Thank you so much!

[dj]

Just a reminder for those interested in Henry Townsend that he did an excellent "oral autobiography": A Blues Life by Henry Townsend as told to Bill Greensmith, published by the University of Illinois Press in 1999.  It's well worth seeking out.