May 05, 1901 - Aug 19, 1959
Blind Willie McTell played harmonica accordion, 6-string and 12-string acoustic guitars, his technique on the 12-string was unique, using a picking style that made it sound like he was 
playing more than one guitar. Although McTell is a treasure now, he played and recorded for 20 years without any notable recognition.
playing more than one guitar. Although McTell is a treasure now, he played and recorded for 20 years without any notable recognition. Probably the most comprehensive article I have read on McTell Bluesnet.hub
Blind Willie McTell's style has always appealed to me. Over the years I have purchased some not so good McTell CDs. I always longed for the Library of Congress Recording (1940) I had 'lost' years and years ago (in those days we had to send away to the States for these recordings) I was not impressed when someone 'hocked it'!!
Tracks included "Boll Weevil" "Delia" "Crapshooter's Blues" "Will Fox" "Chainey" and "King Edward Blues". "Just as Well to Get Ready" a spiritual with a poignant message. Willie's accompaniment on his 12 string is as haunting as his voice.
My personal favourite is
"Just as Well to Get Ready" ..
' Just as well to get ready you got to die .. maybe tomorrow, Lord you can't tell the minute or the hour .. just as well to get ready you got to die '
It seems to be unclear which archivist McTell was being interviewed by John or Alan Lomax?? This part of the interview I have remembered for 40 years!! The condescending Lomax in my opinion is oblivious to Willie's cutting wit.
Lomax: "you don't know any complaining songs at all?"
McTell: "wweell .."
Lomax: "ain't it hard to be a nigger, nigger. Do you know that one?"
Lomax: "ain't it hard to be a nigger, nigger. Do you know that one?"
William Samuel McTell recorded under several different names (with several different recording studios), including Pig 'n Whistle Red and is probably the most known of the Piedmont 'pickers'.
Blind Willie McTell "Searching the Desert"
contains a wonderful array of McTell photographs.
Dylan's Tribute to McTell
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