J.D. Short

about

J.D. Short (December 26, 1902 – October 21, 1962) was an American Delta blues singer, guitarist and harmonicist. He was a multi-instrumentalist, and possessed a distinctive vibrato laden, singing voice. Early in his career, Short recorded under a number of pseudonyms, including Jaydee Short and Jelly Jaw Short. His more noteworthy works included "Lonesome Swamp Rattlesnake" and "You're Tempting Me." Born in Port Gibson, Mississippi, Short learned to play both the piano and guitar at a young age. He later mastered the harmonica, saxophone, clarinet and drums. Short performed locally in the Mississippi Delta at house parties, but relocated in 1923 to St. Louis, Missouri. Short went on to play along with the Neckbones, Henry Spaulding, David "Honeyboy" Edwards, Douglas Williams, and Big Joe Williams. In the 1930s, Short recorded for the Vocalion label. Henry Townsend in his autobiography, A Blue Life, told of incidents in St. Louis that affected both his and Short's lives. Seemingly due to jealousy of his musical standing, Short attacked and twice stabbed Townsend. Later, by way of revenge, Townsend shot Short in his genitals, which resulted in Short losing both of his testicles. The account was also mentioned in Townsend's obituary in The Guardian. Short continued performing in St. Louis after World War II, often as a one-man band and sometimes with his cousin, Big Joe Williams. Nevertheless, Short effectively disappeared from the music industry for over two decades, before re

top songs

albums

The Sonet Blues Story

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Voodoo Blues

J.D. Short and Son House: Blues from the Mississippi Delta

Blues from the Mississippi Delta

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Harmonica Blues 101

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Top 40 Blues

Roots of Black Music in America

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Blues Masters, Vol. 10: Blues Roots

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The Most Underrated Blues Players Ever!

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Blues Essentials

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Voodoo Blues: The Devil Within

The Legacy of the Blues, Volume 8

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