Peg Leg Howell: New Jelly Roll Blues 1927

Henry Williams, Eddie Anthony, and Peg Leg Howell 

Peg Leg Howell was born Joshua Barnes Howell on March 5 1888 in Eaton, Georgia. Just twenty three years after the ending of slavery. His music comes from an era that predates the Blues. He worked as a farm worker until 1916 when he lost his right leg after his brother-in-law shot him with a shotgun during an argument. Hence, his nick name Peg Leg. He was sent to Prison for bootlegging in 1925 and 1930. Bootlegging was his primary source of income at the time. In 1926 he started recording for Columbia Records. New Jelly Roll Blues was recorded in Atlanta, Georgia on April 8, 1927. Beaver Slide Rag was the B-Side. After his friends and band members Henry Williams and Eddie Anthony died (Henry Williams in prison in 1930 and Eddie Anthony in 1934). Howell retired from music saying, “I just didn’t feel like playing anymore. I went back to selling liquor.” In 1952 he lost his other leg to diabetes. During the 1960’s blues revival he was “rediscovered” living on welfare and at 75 years old recorded again for Testament Record. He died in 1966 aged 78.

Peg Leg Howell      Vocals/Guitar
Henry Williams                  Guitar
Eddie Anthony                    Violin

New Jelly Roll Blues.mp3

Beaver Slide Rag.mp3