Historical Marker
Blind Lemon Jefferson
Historical marker location:
Wortham, Texas
( Wortham Negro Cemetery, just north (on SH 14) of the Wortham Cemetery)
Marker installed: 1967
Born near Wortham. As a young street musician, played a guitar and sang spirituals and blues. Composed many of his songs, and had a distinctive vocal style.
From Dallas' Deep Ellum district went to Chicago in 1920's with a talent scout; made 79 great jazz and blues recordings.
One of America's outstanding original musicians, influenced Louis Armstrong, Bix Beiderbecke, Tommy Dorsey, Harry James, Bessie Smith, and other great artists.