Sam Chatmon

about

Sam Chatmon (January 10, 1897 - February 2, 1983) was a Delta blues guitarist and singer. He was a member of the Mississippi Sheiks. Chatmon was born in Bolton, Mississippi. Chatmon's family was well known in Mississippi for their musical talents; Chatmon was a member of the family's string band when he was young. He performed on a regular basis for white audiences in the 1900s. The Chatmon band played rags, ballads, and popular dance tunes. Two of Sam's brothers, fiddler Lonnie Chatmon and guitarist Bo Carter, performed with guitarist Walter Vinson as the Mississippi Sheiks. Chatmon played the banjo, mandolin, and harmonica in addition to the guitar. He performed at parties and on street corners throughout Mississippi for small pay and tips. In the 1930s he recorded both with the Sheiks, as well as with sibling Lonnie as the Chatman Brothers. Sam played with Charley Patton, whom he sometimes called his half brother. Others have stated that the two were cousins, but Anna Patton, Charley's mother, and surviving Patton relatives have disputed this relationship. Chatmon moved to Hollandale, Mississippi in the early 1940s and worked on plantations in Hollandale. He was re-discovered in 1960 and started a new chapter of his career as folk-blues artist. In the same year Chatmon recorded for the Arhoolie record label. He toured extensively during the 1960s and 1970s. While in California in 1970 he got together and made several recodrings with Sue Draheim, Kenny Hall, Ed Littlefield

top songs

albums

Blues At Home 2

Hollandale Blues

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The Devil's Music Vol. 1

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The Introduction To Living Country Blues USA

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Living Country Blues USA

Blues When It Rains

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Blues Songbook - Alan Lomax - Disc 1

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The Mississippi Sheik

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Sam Chatmon - 1970-74

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Popcorn - '60s Cool Kids

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I Have To Paint My Face

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Alan Lomax - Blues Songbook (Disc 2)

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