Saunders Teddell, or Saunders Terrell (or other variants, sources differ) (October 24, 1911– March 11, 1986), known as Sonny Terry, was an American Piedmont blues and folk musician, who was known for his energetic blues harmonica style, which frequently included vocal whoops and hollers and occasionally imitations of trains and fox hunts.
Life
He was born Saunders Terrell. His father, who was a farmer and musician, taught him the basics of harmonica playing. At the age of 16 he became blind. Because of this he was not able to work on the farm of his father. He started playing music. He developed a harmonica style which included also vocal parts and hollers. Also the imitation of trains was part of his style.
In 1938 he played in the Carnegie Hall during the first From Spirituals to Swing concert. The same year he recorded for the Library of Congress. Although he was famous as pure folk blues artist he also played jump blues in a band. From 1941 to 1982, he played together with the guitarist Brownie McGhee (1915–1996). He also played with other folk and blues legends like Woody Guthrie, Leadbelly, Pete Seeger, Champion Jack Dupree, Blind Gary Davis, Mississippi John Hurt, and Big Bill Broonzy, amongst others.
In the 1980s, he stopped his career due to age. He played only some concerts. He died in 1986. This year he also was inducted to the Blues Hall of Fame.
Discographie
Main albums
California Blues – Universal (Pty) Ltd.
On the Road – Smithsonian Folkways Recordings
Sonny Terry's Harmonica and Vocal Solos – Smithsonian Folkways Recordings
Sonny Terry's New Sound – Smithsonian Folkways Recordings (1958)
Sonny's Story – Bluesville/Original Blues Classics (1960)
Sonny Is King – Bluesville/Original Blues Classics (1963)
Sonny Terry – Archive Folk (1965)
Sonny Terry Guitar & Harmonica – Smithsonian Folkways Recordings (1960s)
