King Solomon Hill

American pre-war Delta blues guitarist and singer, who recorded a handful of songs for Paramount in 1932.

Born: 1897 in McComb, Mississippi, United States
Died: 1949 in Louisiana, United States

Hill frequently played in McComb, Mississippi with the most famous local blues musician, Sam Collins, known locally as "Salty Dog Sam" and on record as "Cryin' Sam Collins". When interviewed, Roberta (his wife) recalled seeing her husband playing with Collins, whom she recognized from a publicity image for Black Patti Records. One year later, his wife and child returned to Sibley, while Joe pursued his musical career, initially in McComb and then as an itinerant, returning periodically to Sibley. One town he played in was Minden, Louisiana, where he had a friend, George Young. In 1928 Blind Lemon Jefferson passed through Minden, and Holmes and Young left with him for Wichita Falls, Texas. Holmes later celebrated his brief partnership with Jefferson on his record "My Buddy Papa Lemon". At that time he befriended Willard Thomas, known as Ramblin' Thomas, who became his favorite musical partner. Holmes would often travel to Shreveport, Louisiana, to play with Thomas.

Little evidence exists of his life outside of music. He was described as a heavy drinker. He died of a cerebral hemorrhage in Louisiana in 1949.

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