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American singer (1910–1970) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
William Arthur Gaither (April 21, 1910 – October 30, 1970),[1] sometimes known as "Little Bill" Gaither or Leroy's Buddy,[2] was an American blues guitarist and singer.
Bill Gaither | |
---|---|
Birth name | William Arthur Gaither |
Also known as | "Little Bill" Gaither Leroy's Buddy |
Born | Belmont, Bullitt County, Kentucky, U.S. | April 21, 1910
Died | October 30, 1970 60) Indianapolis, U.S. | (aged
Genres | Blues |
Instrument | Guitar |
Years active | 1920s–1940s |
Born in Belmont, Bullitt County, Kentucky,[1] Gaither recorded over one hundred songs in the 1930s for labels such as Decca and Okeh.[3] He often wrote and recorded with the pianist George "Honey" Hill. After his friend Leroy Carr's death in 1935, Gaither was often credited as "Leroy's Buddy".[4]
One of Gaither's most famous blues songs was "Champ Joe Louis", recorded on June 23, 1938,[5] the day after Louis won his rematch against Max Schmeling. The blues scholar Paul Oliver has cited Gaither among a group of important, but understudied, 20th century musicians.[6] His blues lyrics have been appreciated as poetry.[7]
Gaither ran a radio repair shop in Louisville, Kentucky, for some time.[1] He died in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1970,[1] and is buried in New Crown Cemetery in Indianapolis.[4]
He is not to be confused with another musician, William Augustus "Bill" Gaither (1927–1985), who recorded with Roy Milton.[8]
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