 | | If you were to explore the most influential artists of the American /roots music movement beginning in the pre-war era of the 1930’s your research would certainly include The Mississippi Sheiks. The Mississippi Sheiks music remains timeless; a testament to the songwriting and arrangements of founders Lonnie, Sam and Armenter Chatmon and Walter Vinson. While the Sheiks were primarily considered a fiddle and guitar, country blues band, their mastery of nearly every style of popular music at the time made them accessible to both black and white audiences, a rarity for the post slavery south during the early part of the century. The Shieks are among the most prolific recording artists of the era cutting over 60 ‘sides’ between 1930-1935 for three major record companies including the legendary blues labels Bluebird and Okeh records. Bob Dylan, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Bob Wills, Bill Monroe, Ray Charles and Howlin’ Wolf are among the scores of artists who have sought out the music of The Mississippi Sheiks and the group was invited to perform for President Franklin D. Roosevelt, further reinforcing the sheer scope of popular culture that has been touched by this legendary quartet. |
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