Samuel "Peg Leg Sam" Jackson
- Born:
- November 15, 1915, Jonesville, South Carolina, USA
- Died:
- October 27, 1977, Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Blues Musician, Harmonica Player, Storyteller, Medicine Show Performer
Early Life and Education
- Born into a sharecropping family.
- Lost his right leg in a childhood accident, leading to the "Peg Leg Sam" moniker.
- Self-taught harmonica player.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began performing in medicine shows as a teenager.
- Traveled extensively throughout the Southeastern United States as a featured act.
- Developed a highly energetic and theatrical performance style.
- Recorded several albums and singles, showcasing his harmonica skills and storytelling abilities.
- Gained recognition later in life during the blues revival of the 1960s and 1970s.
- Toured internationally, bringing his distinctive brand of blues to audiences worldwide.
- One of the notable subjects discussed in many books exploring blues history, specifically those concerning peg leg sam biography books.
Notable Works
- Albums:
- Medicine Show Man (1972)
- The Legendary Peg Leg Sam (1975)
- Going Train (1992 - Posthumous release)
- Singles:
- "Peg Leg's Breakdown"
- "Beans"
Legacy and Impact
Peg Leg Sam was a vital link to the medicine show tradition of American folk music. His energetic performances and unique harmonica style influenced generations of blues musicians. He is remembered as a charismatic entertainer and a keeper of authentic Southern blues traditions.