King Solomon Hill

King Solomon Hill (Joe Holmes) is yet another spectral blues artist concerning whom little is known, and whom no photos identify with certainty. Hill was a Delta blues musician born near McComb, Mississippi, on 18 July 1897. He there performed much later with Sam Collins in the twenties. He is known to have partnered in Wichita Falls, Texas, with Blind Lemon Jefferson and George Young. He also collaborated with Willard Thomas (Ramblin' Thomas) in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Hill made his way to Grafton, Wisconsin, to make his debut recordings circa November 1931 or January 1932. American Music begins its account of Hill with 'Whoopee Blues' and 'Down On My Bended Knee' issued per Paramount 13116. Among other titles was his tribute to Blind Lemon Jefferson who had died on 19 December 1929: 'My Buddy Blind Papa Lemon' which was released with 'Times Has Done Got Hard' per Paramount 13125. Hill is known to have recorded only six titles with two second versions.

Composition: Hill

Composition: Hill

Composition: Hill

Composition: Hill

Composition: Hill

Composition: Hill

Like many country blues artists, Hill died young, himself of cerebral hemorrhage in Sibley, Louisiana, on 13 August 1940.

Further Reading: Weenie Campbell Forum   

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