Lightnin’ Wells

Location: R.A. Fountain

from our promo for this concert

Lightnin’ Wells, a West Virginia native who grew up in Goldsboro, is best known throughout the U.S. and Europe as a bluesman, especially as among the best of the third generation of Piedmont blues performers. But he’s equally adept at performing in a variety of early American musical genres and traditions.

Wells, who has lived in the Fountain community for six years, has recently returned from a 3-week tour of Germany.

“Lightnin’s shows are always entertaining and encyclopedic,” said Albright. “His knowledge about the songs he plays is almost as impressive as his performances of them, which are always true to and respectful of the original composers. We’re fortunate to have him living so close by.”

Wells accompanies himself on acoustic and resonator guitars; banjo, mandolin, four kinds of ukulele and sometimes toy pianos and whistles; and he also whistles and yodels. 

 

Tags: blues, Concert, country, Delta blues, folk, guitar, harmonica, hokum, old-time, Piedmont blues