Grave of Son House - Detroit, MI - Blues Legends on Waymarking.com

What a life and story that of Eddie James House Jr. aka Son House. He is considered to be the “father of the blues”. One thing for sure is the Son House was there in the beginning of the blues, specifically Mississippi Delta Blues.

Here are some little know facts about blues music. Blues are the only pure American born type of music. The blues were born in the Mississippi Delta, developed all along the Mississippi River all the way north, also in Chicago and here in Detroit. Many think that the blues started with the famous Robert Johnson. Not true and in fact Son House was a mentor and an influence to Robert Johnson.

Son House had lived quite a life starting as a youth picking cotton. He was a Baptist Minister, killed a man, bluesman, boxcar assembly worker, back to a musician. All of which leads to quite a life story.

It starts with the question of his real birth date. It is officially listed as March 21, 1902 but the reality is more then likely March 21, 1886 in Riverton, Mississippi. The confusion came about when Son House applied for a job in 1943 with the New York Central Railroad. As told by Son House he had to lie about his age to get the job. Being they wanted younger workers he did this to get the job. Since that time it was recorded with the government and 1902 became his date of birth. To this date no one knows for sure but we do know he lived until at least 86 years old and maybe even 102 years old.

Son House started preaching during his teens and became a minister by the time he was 20 years old. This only lasted until the draw of women and his blues music move him away from ministry. He was married 5 times through out the years.

After shooting and killing a man in 1928 he did a year and a half on a camp farm. The claim of self defence was backed by a judge and he was released. In 1929 he went back to his music and in 1930 he recorded 10 cuts for Paramount. Then in 1941-42 Son House records his music for the Library of Congress. In 1943 he moves to Rochester New York and begins working for the railroad. He worked for the railroad up to 1964 when America had seen a blues revival. Back in the music industry once again and even recorded a short film call “Son House” in 1969. He played until 1971 when he quit due to health problems.

Son House moved to Detroit in 1976 and lived here until he died from larynx cancer in 1988.

Enjoy your Visit!