Sonny Terry

Saunders Teddell, or Saunders Terrell (or other variants, sources differ) (October 24, 1911 – March 11, 1986), known as Sonny Terry, was an American Piedmont blues and folk musician, who was known for his energetic blues harmonica style, which frequently included vocal whoops and hollers and occasionally imitations of trains and fox hunts.

 Life 
He was born Saunders Terrell. His father, who was a farmer and musician, taught him the basics of harmonica playing. At the age of 16 he became blind. Because of this  he was not able to work on the farm of his father. He started playing music. He developed a harmonica style which included also vocal parts and hollers. Also the imitation of trains was part of his style.

In 1938 he played in the Carnegie Hall during the first From Spirituals to Swing concert. The same year he recorded for the Library of Congress. Although he was famous as pure folk blues artist he also played jump blues in a band. From 1941 till 1982 he played together with the guitarist  Brownie McGhee (1915–1996). He also played with other folk and blues legends like  Woody Guthrie, Leadbelly, Pete Seeger, Champion Jack Dupree, Blind Gary Davis, Mississippi John Hurt, Big Bill Broonzy amongst others.

In the 1980s he stopped due to age his career.He played only some concerts. He died in 1986. This year he also was inducted to the Blues Hall of Fame.Biography by Al Campbell All Music Guide

 Discographie 

 Main albums 
    California Blues – Universal (Pty) Ltd.
    On the Road – Smithsonian Folkways Recordings
    Sonny Terry's Harmonica and Vocal Solos – Smithsonian Folkways Recordings
 1958  Sonny Terry's New Sound – Smithsonian Folkways Recordings
 1960  Sonny's Story – Bluesville/Original Blues Classics
 1963  Sonny Is King – Bluesville/Original Blues Classics
  1965  Sonny Terry – Archive Folk
  1960's  Sonny Terry Guitar & Harmonica – Smithsonian Folkways Recordings
  1976  Black Night Road – Tomato
   1976  Harmonica Blues – Storyville
   1976  Sonny Terry's Washboard Band
    1984  Whoopin' – Alligator Records
 Compilations 
 1991  The Folkways Years, 1944–1963 – Smithsonian Folkways Recordings
1995  Whoopin' the Blues: The Capitol Recordings, 1947–1950  Capitol
1996  Complete Recordings 1938–1945 – DocumentDiscography Sonny Terry All Music Guide

 References 

Category:Blues musicians
Category:1911 births
Category:1986 deaths
Category:Blues harp players