Wortham in Freestone County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Blind Lemon Jefferson
(1897 - 1929)
Photographed by James Hulse, October 18, 2020
1. Blind Lemon Jefferson Marker
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 Elm 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.
Erected 1967 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 9886.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Entertainment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1929.
Location. 31° 47.862′ N, 96° 27.803′ W. Marker is in Wortham, Texas, in Freestone County. It can be reached from North 3rd Street (State Highway 14) 0.1 miles north of West Canadian Avenue (County Highway 1010). The marker is located in the back west section of the Blind Lemon Jefferson Memorial Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wortham TX 76693, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region. It is also in the American South. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Rev. G.W. Bounds (approx. 0.7 miles away); United Methodist Church (approx. 0.7 miles away); City of Wortham (approx. 0.7 miles away); The Wortham Oil Boom (approx. 0.7
this page online
Regarding Blind Lemon Jefferson. He has been called the "Father of the Texas Blues"
Also see . . . Blind Lemon Jefferson. Wikipedia (Submitted on October 29, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Photographed by James Hulse, October 18, 2020
2. Blind Lemon Jefferson Marker
Photographed by James Hulse, October 18, 2020
3. Blind Lemon Jefferson Marker and gravestone
Photographed by James Hulse, October 18, 2020
4. Blind Lemon Jefferson tombstone
Public Domain, 1926
5. Only known photograph of Jefferson
Credits. This page was last revised on November 30, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 29, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,966 times since then and 93 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 29, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
