Biography
Led by Gus Cannon, the Jug Stompers were the finest and most blues-orientated of the Memphis jug bands, recording for Victor from 1928 to 1930. The permanent members were Cannon himself (playing rushing, syncopated banjo and a fruity, ribald jug) and harmonica player Noah Lewis. Guitarists Ashley Thompson and Elijah Avery passed through the group’s trio format in 1928 before vocalist Hosea Woods became the third member. The group blended the light-hearted novelties of the medicine shows with strutting ragtime pieces and deeply emotional blues, particularly when Lewis was providing vocals; Cannon’s booming singing was more suited to the extrovert side of their repertoire. Woods died in the 30s, and Avery’s subsequent history is unknown; Thompson was still playing in 1971 but died during the mid-70s.
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