A
Texas
Alexander:
b: 1890, Jewett, Tx. d:
4-16-54, Richardson Tx.
A rarity
among country bluesmen in that he did not play any instruments on any of
his recordings. Alexander was second in popularity only to Blind Lemon Jefferson
among the early Texas blues recording artists. Alexander made over 30 records
for OKeh and Vocalion(1927-34), usually accompanied by such gifted musicians as
Lonnie Johnson or The Mississippi Sheiks. His blues, like Jefferson's,
often had a lonesome, lyrical quality, and bits from a number of his songs have
reappeared in the works of other artists. Alexander, who carried a guitar with
him but always sought out someone to serve as an accompanist, was either a
mentor or a companion to most of the great down-home Texas stylists- his
guitarists included Jefferson, Lightnin Hopkins, Lowell Fulson and JT
"Funny Papa" Smith, (The original Howlin' Wolf)
Texas Alexander Vol. 1 - Document
Texas Alexander
Vol 2 - Matchbox