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In this edition of This Week In Dallas Music History, we look back — way back — to the 1920s.
OK, so the Dallas Observer wasn’t exactly in circulation until 1980, but we’re referring to an article published in 1998, in which Robert Wilonsky finds historian Alan Govenar, who uncovers the mystery of blues legend Blind Lemon Jefferson. Funny thing is, Govenar’s research wasn’t funded by anyone in Dallas, but, rather, by the French government, who saw value in Govenar’s knowledge of Texas Blues.
His research resulted in the great book Deep Ellum & Central Track: Where the Black & White Worlds Of Dallas Converge, which focuses a lot on Dallas blues in the 1920s and 1930s and includes a chapter about Jefferson.
“It’s a complete, illuminating book, less a history tome than a never-told tale full of wonderful music; it should come with its own soundtrack,” wrote Wilonsky. “And the book should be read by anyone who cares about looking backward before taking a single step forward. It’s a cautionary tale and a celebration all at once, proof that Dallas does indeed have a past beyond tomorrow.”
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Read the entire article after the jump.
It’s a little tough to read the left margin, so check out the online version here.
