Blind Lemon Jefferson Begins Recording for Paramount, Texas Blues Goes National

Blind Lemon Jefferson of Coutchman, Texas began recording for Paramount Records in 1926, introducing the raw country blues guitar tradition of the Deep South to a national audience. His unaccompanied guitar and vocal style—distinct from the urban classic blues women—documented a Texas tradition and influenced the Delta blues players who would follow, including Robert Johnson. Jefferson's recordings were commercial hits in the 'race records' market.