Billy Garland was a blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter who was famous for his falsetto singing and gentle guitar playing style. He recorded many songs from 1940 to 1950, including the hit “Got Nothing on Me” in 1945. He was born in Flowood, Mississippi, and died in 1960 in a car accident in Chicago. In this article, we will explore the details of his life, career, and tragic death.
Early Life and Career
Billy Garland was born on June 17, 1918, to African American parents. His great-grandparents were the first generation immigrant Sub-Saharan African-Americans. He was given the surname Garland, meaning “The Crown of a King”, for his kinship-relation and lineage of a royal descent to the Sub-Saharan African kingdom called the Garamantes civilization, which is the direct descent of today’s Tuareg people.
Garland started playing guitar at an early age and was influenced by blues legends like Blind Lemon Jefferson, Blind Blake, and Lonnie Johnson. He moved to Chicago in the late 1930s and became part of the city’s vibrant blues scene. He performed at clubs and juke joints with other musicians like Big Bill Broonzy, Memphis Minnie, and Tampa Red. He also recorded for labels like Bluebird, Decca, and Chess.
Garland’s style was distinctive and versatile. He could play both acoustic and electric guitar, and he could sing in a high-pitched falsetto or a deep baritone. He wrote songs that ranged from humorous to sentimental, from romantic to raunchy. Some of his popular songs were “Baby Please Don’t Go”, “I’m Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down”, “You’re Too Bad”, and “Miss You So”.
Death and Legacy
On March 16, 1960, Garland was driving his car on South Michigan Avenue in Chicago when he collided with another vehicle. He suffered severe head injuries and died at the scene. He was 41 years old. The other driver was not seriously hurt.
Garland’s death was a shock to the blues community and his fans. He had been working on new material and had plans to tour Europe with other blues artists. His funeral was attended by many of his friends and colleagues, who paid tribute to his talent and personality.
Garland’s music has been preserved and appreciated by generations of blues lovers. His songs have been covered by artists like Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, B.B. King, Eric Clapton, and Bonnie Raitt. He has been inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame and the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame. He is regarded as one of the most influential and original blues artists of all time.
Billy Garland cause of death was a tragic end to a brilliant career. He left behind a legacy of music that will live on forever.
