(Robert Clifford Brown)
July 15, 1910 – November 6, 1966
It’s possible Washboard Sam was born 116 years ago today in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, but also possible he was born in 1903 or 1904 in Jackson Tennessee. It’s also possible that Washboard Sam is the half-brother of Big Bill Broonzy. But it’s known for sure that Washboard Sam was one of the most popular vocalists and washboard players in Memphis during the late 1920s and in Chicago in the 1930s and 40s. He performed and recorded with Big Bill Broonzy, Tampa Red, Jazz Gillum, Sonny Boy Williamson I, and Memphis Slim. In 1935 he started recording with his own band.
He was known for writing Hokum Blues, suggestive songs like “Mama Don’t Allow” and “Don’t Tear My Clothes” . The most famous was “Digging My Potatoes”. His musical style and instrument did not keep up with the electric blues, so he retired from the music industry and worked as a Chicago police officer. He made one more recording in 1953 with Memphis Slim and Big Bill Broonzy and had a very short revival working in early 60s.
Didn’t we see all those worked with names recently? Do you think that Ransom Knowling worked with Washboard Sam at all?