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Big Bill Broonzy: Biography, Facts and Career

Who is Big Bill Broonzy? An evergreen, sourced profile: biography, key facts and career.

By the Pop Culture Files editorial team4 min read✓ Fact-checked
Big Bill Broonzy
James J. Kriegsmann via Wikimedia Commons · Public domain

Big Bill Broonzy (born Lee Conley Bradley; June 26, 1893 or 1903 – August 14, 1958), later known as William Lee Broonzy, was an American blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist. His career began in the 1920s, when he played country music to mostly African-American audiences. In the 1930s and 1940s, he navigated a change in style to a more urban blues sound popular with working-class black audiences. In the 1950s, a return to his traditional folk-blues roots made him one of the leading figures of the emerging American folk music revival and an international star. His long and varied career marks him as one of the key figures in the development of blues music in the 20th century. Broonzy copyrighted more than 300 songs, including adaptations of traditional folk songs and original blues songs. As a blues composer, he was unique in writing songs that reflected his rural-to-urban experiences.

Quick facts about Big Bill Broonzy

  • Full name: Big Bill Broonzy
  • Born: 1893-06-26
  • Nationality: United States
  • Known as: Musician
  • Wikidata ID: Q449239

Profile compiled from public Wikipedia and Wikidata data. Details can change over time.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Big Bill Broonzy?

Big Bill Broonzy (born Lee Conley Bradley; June 26, 1893 or 1903 – August 14, 1958), later known as William Lee Broonzy, was an American blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist.

What nationality is Big Bill Broonzy?

Big Bill Broonzy is United States.

When was Big Bill Broonzy born?

Big Bill Broonzy was born on 1893-06-26.

Sources

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