Music on the Porch: “Papa” Charlie Jackson Tribute

“Papa” Charlie Jackson is a pivotal figure in American music history. Historians credit Jackson with being the first famous male blues singer, the first famous self-accompanied blues artist, and the first blues musician to record primarily original material. Jackson cut his first sides in 1924 and by the late 1920s was one of Paramount Records’ biggest stars. With his engaging voice and keen sense of humor, Jackson made some of the most entertaining American music of the 20s and early 30s. His unusual virtuosity on six-string banjo also put him in demand as an accompanist for early blues vocalists such as Ma Rainey and Lucille Bogan.

The two-disc set “Papa Charlie Done Sung That Song” is a milestone project for Document Records and for aficionados of traditional blues and related music of the early 20th century. The set contains the first recorded tribute to Papa Charlie Jackson and the first selected compilation of Papa Charlie’s music since vinyl. Featuring Cary Moskovitz, Chris Frank, Rtyas Vilgalys, Berkeley Grimball, and Dorsey Worthy, “Papa Charlie Done Sung That Song” presents Jackson’s music live to new generations of listeners.