Blind Lemon Jefferson, a singer-guitarist, was born in Coutchman on September 24, 1893. He is one of the most important blues artists of the 20th century. He is regarded as one of the pioneers of Texas blues, and a major figure in country blues. Allmusic.com says Jefferson was born blind. He was one of seven siblings. His parents were sharecroppers. Jefferson started performing in Dallas as a teenager. He met Huddie Ledbetter (better known as Lead Belly), a future blues star. They worked together briefly. According to the Texas State Historical Association, Jefferson married Roberta Ransom in the 1920s. Jefferson was discovered by a talent scout and soon moved to Chicago to begin his recording career. More than 90 of his tracks were recorded for the Paramount label. With songs like “See That My Grave is Kept Clean”, “Black Snake Moan,” and “Matchbox Blues,” Jefferson was instrumental in the popularization of blues throughout the country. Jefferson recorded many gospel songs under the deacon L. J. Bates name. He also toured extensively, performing gigs in Texas and other parts the South. Jefferson was killed in Chicago, Illinois on December 19, 1929. It is not known what caused his death. There are a variety of reports that he died from a heart attack in a snowstorm or a car accident. His body was sent back to Texas where he was buried at an unmarked grave in Wortham. Jefferson’s gravesite was not given a proper monument until 1967. Even though his career was short, Jefferson had an impact on many performers, including B. B. B. The Beatles and Carl Perkins have covered his songs. From www.biography.com, Jefferson was inducted into The Blues Foundation Hall of Fame In 1980.
