Date of Birth: November 30, 1915
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Date of Death: February 16, 1996
Biography
Walter Brown “Brownie” McGhee was an influential American blues singer and guitarist, born on November 30, 1915, in Knoxville, Tennessee. He is best known for his long-lasting partnership with harmonica player Sonny Terry, with whom he performed and recorded for nearly four decades. McGhee’s music blended elements of Piedmont blues with folk and urban blues, creating a distinctive sound that appealed to a wide audience. Growing up in a musical family, McGhee was exposed to the blues at an early age. Despite a bout with polio that left him with a limp, he pursued a career in music, moving to New York City in the early 1940s. It was there that he met Sonny Terry, and the two began a partnership that would become one of the most celebrated duos in blues history. McGhee’s guitar skills were complemented by his rich, expressive voice and his ability to write deeply emotive lyrics. Over the years, he and Terry recorded numerous albums and performed at major festivals around the world. They also worked in film and theater, contributing to Broadway shows and movie soundtracks. Brownie McGhee continued to perform and record until his death on February 16, 1996, in Oakland, California. His legacy endures through his recordings and the many musicians he inspired.
5 Interesting Facts about Brownie McGhee
1. Brownie McGhee was a self-taught guitarist who learned to play while recovering from polio.
2. He served as a mentor to several younger musicians, including blues artist Taj Mahal.
3. McGhee and Sonny Terry performed together at the inaugural Newport Folk Festival in 1959.
4. He appeared in the Broadway production of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” alongside Burl Ives.
5. McGhee was also an accomplished actor, appearing in movies such as “Angel Heart” and “The Jerk.”
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Brownie McGhee
1. “The blues is life itself.”
2. “Playing with Sonny was like talking to myself.”
3. “Music is the language of the spirit. It opens the secret of life bringing peace, abolishing strife.”
4. “Blues is not just a music, it’s a lifestyle, it’s a feeling.”
5. “Every note I play is a message, a story, a piece of my soul.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Brownie McGhee’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million.
Children
Brownie McGhee had one son, Brownie McGhee Jr.
Relevant Links
1. [AllMusic Biography](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/brownie-mcghee-mn0000621395/biography
2. [Discogs Profile](https://www.discogs.com/artist/292859-Brownie-McGhee
3. [IMDb Page](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0569201/
4. [Find a Grave Memorial](https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/6089/brownie-mcghee
5. [Blues Foundation Hall of Fame](https://blues.org/blues_hof_inductee/brownie-mcghee/
