J.D. Short

Possessing a vocal delivery that stood out immediately due to its remarkable vibrato, J.D. Short demonstrated remarkable versatility as a performer on multiple instruments. Among these were the piano, saxophone, guitar, harmonica, clarinet, and drums. His upbringing in the Mississippi Delta provided the setting where he acquired skills on guitar and piano. Prior to relocating to St. Louis during the 1920s, Short regularly entertained audiences at house parties. From the 1930s through the early 1960s, his musical partnerships included work alongside the Neckbones, Henry Spaulding, Honeyboy Edwards, Douglas Williams, and Big Joe Williams. Recordings by Short appeared on the Vocalion, Delmark, Folkways, and Sonet labels. Although featured in the 1963 documentary The Blues, Short passed away prior to its release.