Each one of us has been impacted by different music genres in our households.
If your love for country blues music from the 20th century began in your childhood, chances are you spent your days hearing the melodies of artists such as Bob Dylan and John Hurt.
Despite our diverse musical tastes, the melodies they bestow upon us continue to resonate deep within our souls.
Some have a deeper connection to music.
Allow me to introduce Sam Chatmon.
He’s a trailblazer in the realm of traditional country-blue music.
If you are familiar with the Mississippi Sheiks, a renowned American country blues ensemble honored with induction into the Mississippi Hall of Fame, then you may readily recognize the name, Chatmon.
In the 1930s, he served as both the guitarist and vocalist for the Mississippi band, which primarily comprised members of the Chatmon family.
Interestingly, Chatmon himself was born in 1897.
Now, we have the privilege of witnessing a remarkable performance that reignites people’s memories of him.
YouTube has preserved videos showcasing Chatmon’s interviews and diverse musical renditions from the 1970s.
Among them is his rendition of the beloved blues and folk classic, “Make Me a Pallet On Your Floor,” a song widely regarded as a standard in the blues genre.
The shoot and interview were expertly handled by Alan Lomax and his team, capturing the essence of the encounter, which took place in Sam’s residence in Hollandale, Mississippi.
Within the initial segments of the footage, the interviewer queries Sam about the origins of his passion for blues music and his introduction to playing the guitar.
As anticipated, Chatmon’s expertise as a musician shines through.
He recounts how he would frequently listen to his brother playing blues, leaving the interviewer astonished when Chatmon reveals that he began learning his first guitar songs at the young age of four!
Naturally, they were eager to know how he accomplished such a feat, to which Sam nonchalantly replies, “I held it…” before proceeding to meticulously elaborate on each aspect.
With his narrative complete, Chatmon provides a subtle indication that he is about to embark on performing the song.
He takes it way back.
He initiates the musical journey by delicately plucking the slightly slackened strings of his guitar.
Instantly, his weathered voice harmonizes seamlessly with the rhythms of his instrument.
The guitar’s merely an extension of him.
Listening to the beautiful rendition brings sheer delight.
He embodies a cherished grandfather serenading his beloved grandchildren with nostalgic melodies.
Occasionally, while exploring the internet, you may stumble upon a musical gem like this.
This video has amassed over 3 million views.
For those who remain unaware, the esteemed YouTube channel “Alan Lomax Archives” has graciously uploaded a plethora of historic clips featuring Sam Chatmon, alongside other renowned musicians, as part of a PBS series titled “American Patchwork.”
Spanning from 1978 to 1985, this remarkable project offers a glimpse into traditional and historical scenes from that era, providing an opportunity for nostalgic memories.
Hear Chatmon’s roots shine through as he plays the old blues in the video below!
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