Musician. Better known as "Washboard Sam" for using a washboard as a musical instrument, Robert Brown was one of the most unique blues instrumentalists to ever grace the blues music scene. Born in rural Arkansas, the supposed half-brother of the blues singer/guitarist, Big Bill Broonzy, Washboard Sam left home and journeyed to Memphis, Tennessee to play in various blues bands. He moved to Chicago, Illinois in the 1930's and recorded for the Vocalion Record label until the early 1940s. During the 1950s and 1960s, he continued playing music in the Chicago area, participating in a European tour in 1964. He also continued to record for the Chess, Victor, and Spivey Record labels until his death from heart disease at the age of 56.
Musician. Better known as "Washboard Sam" for using a washboard as a musical instrument, Robert Brown was one of the most unique blues instrumentalists to ever grace the blues music scene. Born in rural Arkansas, the supposed half-brother of the blues singer/guitarist, Big Bill Broonzy, Washboard Sam left home and journeyed to Memphis, Tennessee to play in various blues bands. He moved to Chicago, Illinois in the 1930's and recorded for the Vocalion Record label until the early 1940s. During the 1950s and 1960s, he continued playing music in the Chicago area, participating in a European tour in 1964. He also continued to record for the Chess, Victor, and Spivey Record labels until his death from heart disease at the age of 56.
Bio by: Midnight Believer
Gravesite Details
Headstone was placed by the Killer Blues Headstone Project
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