Mississippi-born blues singer and guitarist William Lee Conley Broonzy had two fairly distinct careers, each of them triumphant and influential. In the 1930s, he brought the rural blues of his Delta homeland to Chicago and added elements of jazz and hokum to create a more sophisticated, urbane, exciting style, essentially helping to pave the way for the Chicago blues sound. By the 1950s, when the electric Chicago sound he helped foster began to blossom, Broonzy had all but left that style behind. Instead, he began to perform traditional folk songs (and the occasional topical original) with only his voice and acoustic guitar and he became a key figure in the burgeoning folk boom. This highly appealing set comes from the latter period and finds him to be a scintillating and smooth vocalist, one capable of generating great emotion without losing his polish. His guitar work is subtly brilliant as well, a silky blend of single-note runs, forceful bends, tricky double stops, and articulate chords. It all comes together in effortless, unassuming fashion. --Marc Greilsamer

Acoustic blues guitarist Big Bill Broonzy late in his long career -- troubled in mind and outspoken in song. With controversial topical songs, rural blues and spirituals, this CD showcases brilliant vocals and intricate solo guitar work. Includes live radio and concert recordings plus the best of Broonzy's 1950s Folkways recordings -- including his classic "Key to the Highway." 36 page booklet, extensive notes, photos, and lyrics. 73 minutes. Reissue compiled and annotated by Jeff Place and Anthony Seeger