Napoleon Strickland: Black Mattie (1978)

Date recorded: August 29, 1978
Contributor(s): Recordist: Bishop, John; Recordist: Long, Worth; Recordist: Lomax, Alan; Performer: Strickland, Napoleon
Description: Black Mattie (also known as "Coal Black Mattie" or "Poor Black Mattie") performed by Napoleon Strickland, vocal and harmonica, with introduction about learning to blow the harp. Shot by Alan Lomax, John Bishop, and Worth Long at Strickland's home in Como, Mississippi, August 29, 1978.
Subject(s):
Location: Como, Panola County, Mississippi, United States
Track Number: 106
Archive ID: VZSkqo2ghf8
Belongs to: Mississippi Delta and Hill Country (1978)
About the session: Bluesmen; fife-and-drum ensembles; former muleskinners and railroad tie-tampers; and tall-tale reciters. Performers include Skip James collaborator Jack Owens, diddley-bow player Lonnie Pitchford, fife legend Otha Turner, and R. L. Burnside in his first film appearance.
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