BIG BILL DOTSON

An obscure figure, Big Bill Dotson is known only for one record, made around 1952, possibly in Houston, Texas, and issued on the Black & White label. Singing accompanied only by his guitar, his style on this very limited evidence was reminiscent of Lightnin’ Hopkins, and indeed, his two tracks have appeared on a Hopkins album, credited to that artist. His vocals were somewhat lighter and his guitar work more rudimentary than those of the more famous artist, but he deserves his own small place in blues history.  In allmusic 

                 

    randomandrare

I do not own the copyright to this recording. This video is for historical and educational purposes.

Nothing is known about Big Bill Dotson, who may have been from Texas. He only recorded one two-sided record in 1952. And what's even sadder about things is that the flip-side of the record "Sittin' Down Thinkin" wound up being issued on the 1961 LP for Crown Records, "Lightnin' Hopkins Sings The Blues". At least someone figured out later that this wasn't a Hopkins recording.

Big Bill Dotson (real name unknown):Vocals & Guitar

Recorded in Houston, TX. January, 1952

Originally issued on the 1952 single (Blues & Rhythm 7004) (78 RPM)

This recording taken from the 1969 album "Blues From The Deep South" (United US-7781) (LP)

                

     alzo61

From the Anthology Of The Blues: Blues From The Deep South - Archive Series Vol. 4...Kent Records KST 9004 (LP)

Recorded January, 1952 in Houston, Texas...

http://www.wirz.de/music/kentafrm.htm

Research indicates that Big Bill Dotson was possibly from somewhere around Memphis though his music shows a strong Texas influence. ~ Frank Scott, December 1969 (from the liner notes)

Big Bill Dotson may have been based at Louisville, Kentucky when he recorded, because he was recorded upon the recommendation of WLOU, Louisville disc jockey, Johnny Martin, according to "The Billboard" in March 1952. Johnny Martin had previously been based at Atlanta, Georgia. ~ Bob Eagle

Photography by Lewis Hine