Skip James had begun his recording career back in the early 1930's and just as his records were getting into the market place the Great Depression put an end to his hopes. Sales were poor and with few other choices for his music he gave up performing all together.
He was virtually unknown until 30 years later when 3 blues fans in 1964 (one of which was Henry Vestine) discovered him in a hospital in Tunica, Mississippi.
For the rest of the decade he was able to record and perform again until his death in 1969. Typically more of his music became available after his death than when he was living.
It was probably with good reason, and the man dying of cancer, James was known as an "aloof and moody person". He rarely spent time with other blues-men or fans.
Skip James finger-picking guitar style could be fast but had a light touch, using the entire instrument augmented with hypnotic bass lines.
His voice was a plaintiff falsetto that makes you think must have been the influence for Al 'Blind Owl' Wilson's voice, who along with Henry Vestine took the blues to a huge audience with Canned Heat in the 60's.
Had it not been for three young blues fans in 1964 Skip James could easily have been lost in history entirely.
Here is Hard Times Killing Floor Blues.
