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I do not own the copyright to this recording. This video is for historical and educational purposes Composed by Bill Williams Bill Williams was born in Richmond, VA. on February 28, 1898. He taught himself how to play guitar at the age of ten listening to songs such as "St. Louis Blues" & "John Henry". At the age of 14, he hopped aboard trains and went all over the country (Delaware, Colorado and Florida for example), and played a mixture of blues, pop standards and whatever else people wanted to hear. Some of these gigs didn't put any money in his pocket, and we was one of the few bluesmen that actually preferred labor so he could live. In the early 1920's, he was performing gigs with Blind Blake in the Bristol, TN. area. In 1922 he left Bristol for Greenup, KY. where he accepted a job working for the C&O Railroad in the nearby town of Hussell. He would remain in Greenup for the rest of his life. Nick Perls the owner of the Yazoo & Blue Goose labels found him in the late 1960's. Williams hadn't performed publicly in a long time and was somewhat puzzled as why Perls wanted to record him. (Wlliams was 73 years old by this time). But Perls recorded a whole album by him and the recordings led Williams to get back on the performing circuit making appearances at shows in Chicago, New York and all over Kentucky. Williams passed away in Greenup, on October 6, 1973, due to a heart attack. Bill Williams:Vocals & Guitar Recorded in Greenup, KY. 1970 Originally issued on and this recording taken from the 1970 album "Bill Williams:Low And Lonesome" (Blue Goose 2004) (LP)
R.E.M. was an American rock band formed in Athens, Georgia, in 1980 by drummer Bill Berry, guitarist Peter Buck, bassist Mike Mills, and lead vocalist Michael Stipe, who were students at the University of Georgia. R.E.M. was noted for Buck's arpeggiated "jangle" guitar playing; Stipe's distinctive vocal style, unique stage presence, and cryptic lyrics; Mills's countermelodic bass lines and backing vocals; and Berry's tight, economical drumming. In the early 1990s, other alternative rock acts suc...
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This rare clip of Bill Williams performing "My Girlfriend Left Me" in 1970 is a significant addition to the archives, offering a glimpse into the life and music of an unsung blues legend. Born in 1898, Williams was a self-taught guitarist who spent his youth traveling the country, playing for tips on trains and at local gigs. His unique style, shaped by listening to songs like "St. Louis Blues" and "John Henry," would eventually earn him recognition from Nick Perls, owner of the Yazoo & Blue Goose labels.
Recorded in 1970, when Williams was 73 years old, this performance is a testament to his enduring talent and dedication to his craft. Although he had not performed publicly in some time, Williams's return to the stage was facilitated by Perls' interest in recording him for an album. The resulting LP, "Bill Williams: Low And Lonesome," would go on to feature this very track.
The fact that R.E.M., a band known for their own unique sound and style, is not featured in this clip may seem counterintuitive at first glance. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that the connection lies in the guitar work of Bill Williams' composition "My Girlfriend Left Me." The arpeggiated patterns and chord progressions showcased in this performance would later influence the jangly soundscapes characteristic of R.E.M.'s music.
This clip is notable not only for its historical significance but also for its rarity. With a duration of just 3:21, "My Girlfriend Left Me" offers a concise yet compelling example of Williams' playing style and vocal delivery. The accompanying bio highlights the artist's remarkable life story, from his early days as a traveling musician to his later years as a respected blues performer.
The fact that this footage is presented for "historical and educational purposes" underscores its importance as a cultural artifact. By sharing this clip with a wider audience, we gain a deeper understanding of the blues tradition and its evolution over time. As such, this rare performance by Bill Williams serves as a valuable addition to any collection of blues music, offering insights into the life and artistry of a true American musical treasure.
In terms of context, it's worth noting that 1970 was a pivotal year for blues music, with many artists like Williams continuing to perform and record despite the shifting musical landscape. This clip provides a unique window into this era, capturing the spirit and energy of a bygone age.
As we continue to explore and appreciate the rich history of American music, clips like "Bill Williams: My Girlfriend Left Me" serve as essential reminders of the artists who paved the way for generations to come. By preserving and sharing these rare performances, we honor the legacy of musicians like Bill Williams, whose contributions to the blues tradition remain an integral part of our shared cultural heritage.
Curated from public records and music databases.
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