Musician. Born in Bolton, Mississippi, he started the guitar at the age of six and is regarded as one of the innovators of modern blues. In the 1920s, he became a member of his family's string band the Chatmon Brothers, which performed at events in the Mississippi Delta. The band disbanded in 1935, but in 1936, Sam and his brother Lonnie Chatmon recorded twelve duets for Bluebird records. After his brother's death, he became part of the New Mississippi Sheiks and also performed as a solo act. In addition to the guitar, Sam Chatmon played the banjo, bass, mandolin and harmonica. His recorded contributions included "Sittin on Top of the World", "Hollandale Blues", "Go Back Old Devil", "B & O Blues" and "Sam's Rag Cross Cut Saw Blues". He toured extensively during the 1960's and 70's, playing many of the largest folk festivals that included the Smithsonian Festival of American Folklife, Washington, D.C., Mariposa Fest in Toronto and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. He continued to perform until his death and was one of the few bluesman to perform with Fingers Taylor on the Blues Caravan and also went on tour with Jimmy Buffet. His grave headstone was paid for by musicians Bonnie Raitt and John Fogerty.
Musician. Born in Bolton, Mississippi, he started the guitar at the age of six and is regarded as one of the innovators of modern blues. In the 1920s, he became a member of his family's string band the Chatmon Brothers, which performed at events in the Mississippi Delta. The band disbanded in 1935, but in 1936, Sam and his brother Lonnie Chatmon recorded twelve duets for Bluebird records. After his brother's death, he became part of the New Mississippi Sheiks and also performed as a solo act. In addition to the guitar, Sam Chatmon played the banjo, bass, mandolin and harmonica. His recorded contributions included "Sittin on Top of the World", "Hollandale Blues", "Go Back Old Devil", "B & O Blues" and "Sam's Rag Cross Cut Saw Blues". He toured extensively during the 1960's and 70's, playing many of the largest folk festivals that included the Smithsonian Festival of American Folklife, Washington, D.C., Mariposa Fest in Toronto and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. He continued to perform until his death and was one of the few bluesman to perform with Fingers Taylor on the Blues Caravan and also went on tour with Jimmy Buffet. His grave headstone was paid for by musicians Bonnie Raitt and John Fogerty.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
Inscription
Sitting On Top Of The World
Sam Chatmon
Jan 10, 1899
Feb 2, 1983
Considered To Be Among The Most Important Figures In American Music
His Contributions Helped Create The Lyrical Art Form Of The Blues
Performed With The Mississippi Sheiks And The Chatmon Bros.
A Beloved Friend And A True Gentleman
Family Members
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