Charley Patton
USA, 1910–1934
Mississippi Delta singer and guitarist (c. 1891-1934), billed as the Father of the Delta Blues and based at Dockery Plantation. Son House, Howlin' Wolf and Robert Johnson all learned from watching him play.
MusicRoots documents 1 artist who influenced Charley Patton and 4 artists Charley Patton influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.
Who influenced Charley Patton?
- Henry Sloan — Patton learned directly from Henry Sloan at Dockery Plantation — the documented first link of the Delta blues chain.
Which artists did Charley Patton influence?
- Son House — Son House absorbed the Delta blues style playing alongside Patton.
- Robert Johnson — Patton's repertoire and devices became part of Johnson's language.
- Howlin' Wolf — Charley Patton personally taught the young Howlin' Wolf guitar and showmanship.
- The Staple Singers — Pops Staples picked cotton at Dockery Farms, where he absorbed the Delta blues of Charley Patton — the guitar foundation of the Staples sound.