Wayne Township in Richmond in Wayne County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Big Bill Broonzy

— Starr-Gennett Walk of Fame —

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 29, 2023

1. Big Bill Broonzy Marker

Inscription. Big Bill Broonzy recorded for the Champion label in Richmond from 1930 to 1932 and helped create the Chicago blues sound.

Donated in memory of John Lumsden, first president of Starr Piano, Inc., by Brian Henry Martin, sixth president, Pacific division.

Erected by The Starr-Gennett Foundation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music. A significant historical year for this entry is 1930.

Location. 39° 49.471′ N, 84° 54.014′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Indiana, in Wayne County. It is in Wayne Township. Marker can be reached from South 1st Street, 0.2 miles south of South A Street (U.S. 40). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 131 S 1st St, Richmond IN 47374, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Artie Shaw (here, next to this marker); Sidney Bechet (a few steps from this marker); Red Nichols (a few steps from this marker); Vernon Dalhart (a few steps from this marker); Bix Beiderbecke (a few steps from this marker); Lonnie Johnson (a few steps from this marker); Uncle Dave Macon (within shouting distance of this marker); Fletcher Henderson (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

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Big Bill Broonzy: History's Musical Chameleon. Broonzy (whose real name was Lee Bradley) changed more than his musical style. Throughout his life, the singer also altered parts of his personal history. (David C. Barnett, National Public Radio "Weekend Edition Saturday," posted June 24, 2011) (Submitted on May 3, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 29, 2023

2. Big Bill Broonzy Marker

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 29, 2023

3. Big Bill Broonzy Marker

Big Bill Broonzy (1903-1958) image. Click for full size.

James J. Kriegsmann for Mercury Records (Public Domain), 1951

4. Big Bill Broonzy (1903-1958)

Born Lee Conley Bradley, he began his musical career by playing country music, then segued to a more urban blues sound. His later return to his folk-blues roots made him a leading figure of the emerging American folk music revival.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 3, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 46 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 3, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.