Edward W. Clayborn, under the stage name “The Guitar Evangelist”, recorded over 40 sides for Vocalion records from 1926 to 1929.
Musically, his rhythm playing often was simple and unvaried, while his lovely but occasional slide guitar added just the right amount of flavor to keep things interesting.
Unlike gospel-inspired bluesmen like Blind Willie Johnson whose emotive vocal technique often took on a deep tone approaching a growl, Clayborn’s vocals tended to be sober and unadorned. This, combined with the straightforward moral messages contained in his lyrics could perhaps be a contributing reason why his work has not enjoyed the popularity of other early blues performers of his time.
His songs were more gospel than blues – and Clayborn was billed as “Reverend Edward W. Clayton” on his later recordings.
He later ministered to St. Luke’s Baptist Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania after his musical career ended. He lived a long life and passed away in 1978 at the age of ninety-eight.
Recorded in Chicago, IL on April 19, 1927.
Released as Vocalion 1093.
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