He became famous overnight from a 'March of Time" Newsreel film in 1935, in which he recreated his story. He went on to New York and for years was associated with the early folk music scene, doing shows with Josh White, Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, Sonny Terry and others.
He recorded his massive repertoire, which was hundreds of songs, for several labels, and he was one of the first to tour Europe.
His incredible, powerful tenor voice, backed by his 12 String guitar showcased blues, his original ballads about the Titanic, Hitler, Howard Hughes and the Hindenburg.
Cowboy numbers, children's songs, waltzes, sooky jumps, protest songs and more. I am still hypnotized by his amazing and thoroughly singular style.
New Nationals, Fairbanks, and Scheerhorns, WORLD'S #1 SOURCE: www.catfishkeith.com/national-guitars/
This photo was from his last year, 1949, and comes thanks to the Smithsonian.
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