About John Henry Barbee
Lived 1905 – 1964 (aged 58). John Henry Barbee was an American singer and guitarist.
John Henry Barbee (November 14, 1905 – November 3, 1964) was an American blues singer and guitarist. He was born in Henning, Tennessee. and that he changed his name with the commencement of his recording career, in tribute to his favorite folk song, "The Ballad of John Henry", but this claim is not supported by census records, in which he is registered as the son of Beecher Barbee and Cora Gilford.
Biography Barbee toured in the 1930s throughout the American South, singing and playing slide guitar. He teamed up with Big Joe Williams and, later, with Sunnyland Slim in Memphis, Tennessee. Travelling down to Mississippi, he met Sonny Boy Williamson and played with him off and on for several years. to raise monies to honor Barbee's unmarked grave with a headstone. The event was a success, and a stone was placed in June 2010.
Discography Portraits in Blues, vol. 9 (Storyville, 1964), studio album Blues Live! 1964, (Storyville, 1985), split album with live shows by Barbee and Sleepy John Estes Blues Masters, vol. 3 (Storyville, 1994), compilation
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Important facts
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Frequently asked questions
Who was John Henry Barbee?
American Delta blues singer and guitarist (1905–1964)
When was John Henry Barbee born?
John Henry Barbee was born on 14 November 1905 in Henning.
When did John Henry Barbee die?
John Henry Barbee died on 3 November 1964.
What was John Henry Barbee's occupation?
John Henry Barbee was a singer and guitarist.
What nationality was John Henry Barbee?
John Henry Barbee was American.
Sources & further reading
· Wikipedia: John Henry Barbee
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Henry Barbee. https://biography.guide/john-henry-barbee/
MLA: "John Henry Barbee." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-henry-barbee/.
Chicago: "John Henry Barbee." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-henry-barbee/.
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