Born in 1901 in Bolton, Mississippi, guitarist Walter Vinson (sometimes
Vincson) was both a key member of the
Mississippi Sheiksstring band, and a talented solo performer in his
own right. It is reputed that as a youngster Vinson was adopted by the
musically influential Chatmon family and grew up
alongside brothers Armenter (Bo Carter), Sam and Lonnie Chatmon. In his
youth Vinson is said to have also played along with
Tommy Johnson and Ishmon Bracey.
During the early 1930's Vinson and Lonnie Chatmon led the Sheiks during
their most successful period, during which "Sitting on Top of the World",
their best known song was released. He also recorded as a soloist during the
1930's, primarily for the Bluebird and Okeh labels, and also
for Paramount. In the early 1940's he moved to Chicago where he found
little success and he drifted away from the music scene. He was
"re-discovered" during the folk-blues revival era of the 1960's and
enjoyed more success making
further recordings and appearing at music festivals. Ill health forced his
move into a Chicago nursing home in 1972 and he subsequently passed away in 1975.
Born in 1901 in Bolton, Mississippi, guitarist Walter Vinson (sometimes
Vincson) was both a key member of the