Christopher Allen Bouchillon

Christopher Allen Bouchillon (August 21, 1893 – September 18, 1968) was an American country and blues musician from South Carolina, U.S., who is often credited to have been the originator of the talking blues music genre.

Family Bouchillon was born on August 21, 1893 to John and Hester Patterson Bouchillon in Oconee County, South Carolina and died on September 18, 1968, in West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County, Florida. His second marriage was to Ethel Mae Waters (1903 – 1980), daughter of Leverett Waters and Louise Smith Waters.

Musical achievements Taking after his banjo playing father, John Bouchillon,

Creation of the "talking blues" Bouchillon developed his trademark "talking" way of singing because of his supposedly horrible singing voice. His recording director reportedly loved to listen to him talk however, and recommended he re-record a few songs by talking instead of singing. The resultant record, "Talking Blues" was released in 1927 and became a hit. This unique talking style of singing became known as the talking blues and inspired artists such as Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan.