The Importance of Trainbox

If there is a terminal modus where the entire cannon of 20th century music originates it can be found in the music of Blind Trainbox Jefferson. The minimalist delta blues musician only knew one note and his speech was incomprehensible even in his day, but the expression of his music has captured the imaginations of generations.

An excerpt from his seminal recording “Gleem Di Hom”:

Hardly a man alive hasn’t felt the primal Delta energy of “Hadabenahan” (some scholars place the mumbling as “Had I Been a Hen”, though the true meaning is lost to time), which was famously covered by Irish Blues-Rock sensation Rory Gallagher, on his “Back to Basics: One String, One Voice” compilation, and later served as the inspiration for Sir Elton’s Lion King Score.

Indeed Trainbox’s music continues to outlive his short life. Though he died at only 26, (interestingly in a train car), and left behind only three recordings and half a picture, his cultural impact on both American music and experimental French opera cannot be overestimated.