Charley Patton

Charley Patton (April 1891 (probable) – April 28, 1934), also known as Charlie Patton, was an American Delta blues musician.

 

Considered by many to be the "Father of the Delta Blues", he created an enduring body of American music and inspired most Delta blues musicians.

 

When Paramount records released ‘Mississippi Boweavil Blues’ and ‘Screamin’ and Hollerin’ The Blues’, rather than having Charley Patton’s name on the label and in their adverts, they showed the record to be by someone they dubbed – ‘The Masked Marvel’.

 

The promotion for the record asked buyers to guess who it was that was singing the songs, offering as a prize another Paramount record of their choice – for free.

 

The Masked Marvel, probably the first piece of creative marketing by a record label… and a long way from the last.

 

Only one photograph exists of Charley Patton.