Birmingham barrelhouse

“Big Chief” Ellis (piano & vocals), as recorded in Cottekill, New York on September 27, 1974.

Wilbert Ellis was a self educated pianist who played local parties and dances around his hometown of Birmingham, Alabama before leaving the area in the late 1920s. He traveled and performed all over the United States working odd jobs to supplement his income. In 1942 following a stint in the army Wilbert moved to New York where began accompanying touring blues performers during their concerts. He would go on to perform and record with Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee.

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