Big Bill Broonzy is an obscure, often over-looked Blues master considering his influence on the legendary Muddy Waters and the Chicago Blues music scene. Not a lot is known about Broonzy, many of the details about his life were never verifiable due to racism and oppression in the music industry and as a result there are not many recordings of his music. The Midnight Special Live in Nottingham 1957 is one of the few recordings left that captures Broonzy’s big personality, his ability as a storyteller, mastery of the acoustic guitar, his commanding vocals, and life experiences as a Black man in the early 1900’s. Broonzy lived a hard life and was never able to make a living off of just his music, spending most of his time working hard labor jobs. In Broonzy’s words, “I was never able to alone rely on my own music ‘til 1953.” Broonzy was also a fearless and important promoter of anti-racism. The recording primarily consists of folk standards and a few notable tracks including: “The Midnight Special”; “This Train”; “The Glory of Love”; “Trouble in Mind”; “What Kind of Man Jesus Is”; and “In the Evening.” Three months after this concert, Big Bill found out he had lung cancer, and he passed away at the age of 65 in August 1958. It is amazing that the recording survived in such fidelity after 60 years and truly captures the man and his music. – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | Lightnin’ Hopkins, Son House, Charley Patton, Muddy Waters, Bukka White