Stovepipe No. 1

Stovepipe No. 1, born Samuel Jones[1][2] was an American blues musician and songster, active in the Cincinnati area of the United States. He made his first recordings in 1924.[3]

Stovepipe No. 1
Birth nameSamuel Chambers Jones
BornAugust 7, 1890
Paducah, Kentucky, United States
Diedunknown
Genres
Instruments
  • Guitar
  • Vocals
  • Harmonica
  • Stovepipe
Associated actsDavid Crockett

Biography

Jones was born in Paducah, Kentucky on August 7, 1890. By the early 1910s, he had relocated to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was known as a street singer and one-man band who played in many different styles and for black and white audiences. Jones became known for playing a stovepipe in the same manner as a jug, as well as wearing a stovepipe hat; contributing to his later nickname.[4]

In 1924, Jones made his recording debut for Gennett Records. While playing in the streets of Cincinnati, Jones had adopted the nickname "Daddy Stovepipe", in reference to his stovepipe playing.[5] Jones wished to be billed as "Daddy Stovepipe" on his records, however, Chicago based blues musician Johnny Watson had coincidentally recorded under that name six days prior.[3] Jones then chose to adopt the name Stovepipe No. 1, perhaps as a way to brand himself as the 'original'.[6] Jones also recorded under the name "Stovepipe Jones", "Stovepipe Jazz Band", and "Sam Jones". None of Jones' Gennett recordings were issued.[3]

A few months later, Jones recorded for Columbia Records in New York City. He recorded 20 sides in these sessions, only six of which were issued, on both the Columbia and Harmony labels. The issued songs show a variety of music styles, from gospel to folk music.[3]

Jones returned to the studio in 1927, being accompanied by blues guitarist and singer David Crockett. Crockett was a more sophisticated guitar player than Jones, who became a regular recording partner throughout the remainder of his recording career. In these sessions, they recorded 6 sides, four of them being issued by Okeh Records.[3] This was Jones' last session where he was given leading credit.

Jones may have also recorded with Bob Coleman's Cincinnati Jug Band during the 1920s[7]

In 1930, Jones and Crockett, along with a group of unidentified musicians, entered the studio under the name "King David's Jug Band". The band recorded 6 sides for Okeh, all of which were issued. This was the last time Jones recorded.[3]

It is not known when Jones died. He is remembered as being alive in the 1960s.[3]

Recordings

1924

Recorded May 16, 1924 in Richmond, Indiana for Gennett Records:[3][8]

  • Six Street Blues - Unissued
  • Them Pitiful Blues - Unissued
  • Dixie Barn Dance - Unissued
  • Spanish Rag - Unissued
  • Hummin' Blues - Unissued
  • In Dey Go - Unissued

Recorded August 18, 1924 in New York City for Columbia Records:[3][8]

  • Stovepipe Blues - Unissued
  • Spanish Rag - Unissued
  • Sixth Street Blues - Unissued
  • Loveland Blues - Unissued

Recorded August 19, 1924 in New York City for Columbia Records:[3][8]

  • Lord Don't You Know I Don't Have No Friend Like You - Columbia 210-D
  • When The Saints Go Marching Through - Unissued
  • I've Got Salvation In My Heart - Columbia 210-D
  • Soon One Morning Death Came Creeping In The Room - Unissued
  • I'm Going To Wait On The Lord - Unissued
  • Bye And Bye When The Morning Came - Unissued
  • Pitiful Blues - Unissued
  • Sundown Blues - Unissued
  • Dan Tucker - Unissued

Recorded August 20, 1924 in New York City for Columbia Records:[3][8]

  • John Henry - Unissued
  • Lonesome John - Columbia 15011-D
  • Cripple Creed and Sourwood Mountain - Columbia 201-D
  • Turkey In The Straw - Columbia 201-D
  • Arkansas Traveler - Unissued
  • Fisher's Hornpipe - Unissued
  • Fisher's Hornpipe - Columbia 15011-D

1927

Recorded April 25, 1927 for Okeh Records:[3]

  • Court Street Blues - Okeh 8514
  • Sundown Blues - Unissued

Recorded April 26, 1927 for Okeh Records:[3]

  • Untitled Song - unissued
  • A Woman Gets Tired Of The Same Man All The Time - Okeh 8514
  • A Chicken Can Waltz The Gravy Around - Okeh 8543
  • Bed Slats - Okeh 8543

1930

With King David's Jug Band

Recorded December 11, 1930 for Okeh Records:[3]

  • What's That Tastes Like Gravy - Okeh 8913
  • Rising Sun Blues - Okeh 8913
  • Sweet Potato Blues - Okeh 8901
  • Tear It Down - Okeh 8961
  • I Can Deal Worry - Okeh 8901
  • Georgia Bo Bo - Okeh 8961

References
  1. Eagle, LeBlanc, Bob, Eric S. (2013). Blues: A Regional Experience. Santa Barbara. p. 137. ISBN 978-0313344237.
  2. Krampert, Peter (2016). The Encyclopedia of the Harmonica. Mel Bay Publications. p. 169. ISBN 978-1619115774.
  3. Tracy, Stephen C. (1998). Going to Cincinnati: A History of the Blues in the Queen City. University of Illinois Press. pp. 8–33. ISBN 978-0252067099.
  4. Nelson, Scott Reynolds (2006). Steel Drivin' Man: John Henry, The Untold Story of an American Legend. University of Illinois Press. p. 122. ISBN 978-0198041047.
  5. Taft, Michael (2013). Talkin' to Myself: Blues Lyrics, 1921-1942. Routledge. p. 345. ISBN 978-1136734014.
  6. Uncle Dave Lewis. "Allmusic Biography". Retrieved 2017-11-04.
  7. Pat Missin. "Pre War Blues Harp Greats - Stovepipe No. 1". Retrieved 2017-11-04.
  8. Black Recording Artists, 1877–1926: An Annotated Discography. McFarland. 2012. ISBN 978-1476600857.
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