Charley Patton
Charley Patton was born in probably 1891 though 1881, 1885 or 1885 have been suggested as well. There is some dispute over the exact date. He was born in Hinds County, Mississippi.In 1897 his family moved to Dockery Plantation, near Ruleville, Mississippi. In Ruleville he developed his music, being highly influenced by Henry Sloan. He would play a variety of styles from delta blues to country and gospel blues. His live performances would include him playing the guitar whilst on his knees, behind his head or behind his back. Patton would perform at Dockery and nearby plantations. He would associate with and act as a mentor to blues musicians Willie Brown, Tommy Johnson, Fiddlin' Joe Martin, Robert Johnson, and Howlin' Wolf. He would become popular across the South in the US. Patton performed in Chicago annually.
In 1934 he moved to Holly Ridge, Mississippi with his wife and recording partner Bertha Lee.
In early 1934 Patton performed in New York. On April 28th that year he died of a mitral valve disorder on the Heathman-Dedham plantation near Indianola.
In 1990 a memorial headstone was put on his grave, paid for by John Fogerty through the Mt. Zion Memorial Fund.
In 2006 Patton's song "Pony Blues" was included in the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress.