Description
Josh White (February 11, 1914 – September 5, 1969) was an American folk singer, songwriter, guitarist, and civil rights activist. He was known for his smooth, soulful singing and was an early proponent of the blues and folk music. White was one of the first African-American artists to gain widespread popularity in the 1940s and 1950s and was the first black artist to appear on the cover of Time magazine. He was a major influence on the likes of Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, and Joan Baez.
White was born in South Carolina and began playing guitar and singing as a young child. At the age of nine, he was discovered by bluesman John Henry Hammond and went on to become a popular blues and folk singer. He gained national attention with his signature song, “One Meatball”, and went on to record hundreds of songs, including “House of the Rising Sun”, “St. James Infirmary”, and “Free and Equal Blues”.
White was an important figure in the civil rights movement and a friend and confidant of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He performed at the March on Washington and was a frequent guest on television, using his platform to speak out against racism. In 1965, White was given the International League of Human Rights Award for his work in the civil rights movement.
White’s music was a mixture of jazz, blues, folk, and gospel. His singing style was characterized by a smooth, soulful delivery and he was known for his powerful and emotional performances. He is remembered as an influential figure in the history of American music and a leader in the fight for racial equality and civil rights.
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