Big Bill Broonzy

Born in Mississippi around 1893, Big Bill Broonzy was a pioneer of African-American blues music. He learned to play the fiddle and guitar as a young man, then later moved to Chicago, where he became a central figure in the local music scene during the 1930s and 1940s. Broonzy bridged the gap between traditional rural country blues and the emerging electric Chicago style. He recorded more than 300 songs, including "Key to the Highway." His warm voice and versatile guitar playing shaped the direction of the genre. In the 1950s, Broonzy traveled to Europe, introducing acoustic folk blues to international audiences and inspired a new wave of musicians abroad. He passed away in Chicago in 1958.