Instruments Vocals, guitar Albums Church Bells Blues Genres Blues | Role Guitarist Name Luke Jordan | |
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Born January 23, 1892
Appomattox County, Virginia, United States ( 1892-01-23 ) Died June 25, 1952, Lynchburg, Virginia, United States Labels Victor Talking Machine Company Similar People Carolina Slim, Lucille Hegamin, Doctor Clayton, Jaybird Coleman, Papa Charlie Jackson | ||
LUKE JORDAN - Cocaine Blues (1927) Best Quality Available!
Luke Jordan (January 28, 1892 – June 25, 1952) was an American blues guitarist and vocalist of some renown, particularly in the area of his home, in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Contents
- LUKE JORDAN Cocaine Blues 1927 Best Quality Available
- Biography
- Recorded August 16 1927 Charlotte North Carolina
- Recorded November 18 1929 New York City
- Recorded November 19 1929 New York City
- References
Biography
Sources conflict on Jordan's birthplace. Some sources list his birthplace as Appomattox County, Virginia, or Bluefield, West Virginia. According to his World War I draft registration card, Jordan was born in Lynchburg, Virginia. At the time of his registration on June 5, 1917, he was living in Bluefield and worked as a delivery boy and janitor. Jordan's gravestone mentions that he served in the "7th Development Battalion" during the war.
His professional career started at age 35, when he was noticed by Victor Records. He went to Charlotte, North Carolina, in 1927 and made several records. The records sold moderately well, and Victor decided to take Jordan to New York in 1929 for two more sessions. He recorded few known tracks in his career. In comparison with the harsh voices of many contemporary Delta blues musicians, Jordan sang in a smooth and relaxed tenor. During the Great Depression, Jordan stayed in Lynchburg, and was often found playing by the local shoe factory. By the 1940s, Jordan had lost his voice, and had stopped singing.
According to a second draft registration card filled out on April 27, 1942 for World War II, Jordan was living in Lynchburg, and was unemployed. Jordan was known in his early years to be a Cocaine addict, and in later life as a heavy alcoholic who was unable to hold down steady employment.
He died in Lynchburg in June 1952. His gravestone lies at Forest Hill Burial Park, in Lynchburg, Virginia.
His song "Church Bells Blues" was later recorded by Ralph Willis.