Customer Reviews

Josh White: Society Blues

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Josh White was a wonderful human being who didn't see the world in terms of color or political ideologies. There were many chapters to his life. He was raised in a God-fearing, respectable home, took to leading blind Bluesmen across the south and collecting change for them, while being abused, became a Blues star in the 1930s, a darling of the folk scene in New York City, a man whose talent and humanity were rejected because of his supposed connection to Communism, and there is a great more to tell. Unfortunately, the left perceived him to be a sell-out, and the right kept hounding him about his supposed ties to Communist groups. He gladly answered their questions each time, because he had nothing to hide, but this made him seem like a traitor to the hardcore left wing community. In Europe, he was a superstar, performing in front of thousands, and a very dear friend of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. In the 1960s, it was very hard for him to find work in America, both because of the previous decade's scare over Communism and Josh's supposed softcore Blues, which many white Blues enthusiasts who supported the Blues Revival were not interested in. Josh was a man who always took care of his family, and although he had many affairs with women of all shapes, sizes, and races, he loved his wife dearly. I cried while reading the end of this book. Any and every American should read this book cover to cover, and also own the Yazoo dvd of his performances, which is five-star material, in which every facet of this man's act is meticulously planned and pulled off magnificently. He is an unforgettable individual who paved the way for countless black entertainers of a much lower quality.

It's a shame that so little is made of Josh White these days. He was a seminal figure in the early folk boom, an accomplished Piedmont style bluesman, and one of the most popular folk artists of his time. In his early days he backed Leroy Carr and recorded some fine blues. Later he fell in with the New York folk scene recording for Moe Asch. During this period he recorded with the Almanac Singers, Leadbelly and the Union Boys. His later Electra records were part of most folk enthusiasts collections. Elijah Wald did a great service in writing this book, shedding much needed light on a vital but overlooked career.

Another must read from Elijah Wald. I say this not just as a Blues fan or music collector, though through this book I did discover a major player so to speak in the realm of acoustic Blues guitar. Indeed, this thrilling and moving biography is enlightning on many levels. It sheds light on a gaping hole in the blues/folk continuum that led to the big Folk revival of the 60's. That missing link is Josh White himself and his gripping story is a stunning saga
weaving brutal racism, the fear based politics of hysterical anti-Communism,
the making and breaking of trends in Pop culture. Through this soulful, intimate portrait, Josh White truly emerges, warts and all as an ignored national treasure.
Wald analyses brilliantly the mechanics of trends, public image and perceptions,
that contributed to collective amnesia regarding a first rate but outspoken Blues and Folk artist. This book is also more than a compelling slice of American history as it reveals the dramatic struggle of a dignified artist against much odds.
Highly recommended.