The father of Texas blues, Blind Lemon Jefferson began a successful recording career for Paramount Records in 1926 in Chicago, recording over 100 sides until his death at age 35 in 1929. Wildly popular in his day, he was one of the first male blues guitar players to achieve national acclaim, touring all over the country. His versatile guitar style and two-octave vocal range, which allowed him to sing in an impossibly high register, makes his style unique among country blues singers. Influencing the likes of Leadbelly (with whom he played frequently while still in Texas) and Lightnin’ Hopkins, his songs have also been covered by many rock artists including, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, and the Grateful Dead. His most popular tunes include, “Black Snake Moan”, “Matchbox Blues” and his songs can often be considered veiled protest songs decrying the condition of the rural and urban poor.