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Blind James Campbell & his Nashville Street Band Interview

Beauford Clay & James Campbell

Born in Nashville in 1906, Blind James Campbell was a blues singer and guitarist who was blinded in a work accident. He and his Nashville street band were active from the ‘30s to the ‘60s, and they recorded and released a record on Arhoolie in 1963 (Blind James Campbell and His Nashville Street Band). He, Beauford Clay, and George Bell talk to Chris about their careers.

James Campbell, Bell Ray, Beauford Ray, George Bell
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  • The Robert Stone Sacred Steel Archive: Elton Noble Interview 00:00
Interviewees: James Campbell, Beauford Clay and George Bell
Interviewer: Chris Strachwitz
Date: 1962
Location: Nashville, TN
Language: English

This is an interview originally recorded for research purposes. It is presented here in its raw state, unedited except to remove some irrelevant sections and blank spaces. All rights to the interview are reserved by the Arhoolie Foundation. Please do not use anything from this website without permission. info@arhoolie.org

Blind James Campbell
James Campbell, Bell Ray, Beauford Ray, George Bell
George Bell, James Campbell, Bell, Ray, Beauford Clay, and Ralph Robinson
photo by Chris Strachwitz © Arhoolie Foundation
James Campbell, Bell Ray, Beauford Ray
photo by Chris Strachwitz © Arhoolie Foundation
Nashville Street Scene
photo by Chris Strachwitz © Arhoolie Foundation
Nashville Street Scene
photo by Chris Strachwitz © Arhoolie Foundation
George Bell, Beauford Clay, Bell Ray, James Campbell, and Ralph
photo by Chris Strachwitz © Arhoolie Foundation

From the Arhoolie Foundation video:
Down Home Music A Journey Through the Heartland 1963


Statement on the passing of Chris Strachwitz

Arhoolie Records Founder
July 1, 1931 – May 5, 2023

We celebrate the life of our founder, friend, and great record man Chris Strachwitz. He died peacefully at home in Marin County, CA, surrounded in his last days by dear friends and family. Over his 91 years, Chris captured the music that represents the best “down home music” the world has to offer.

He was at the forefront of nearly all the roots revivals over the last 60 years including blues, zydeco, Cajun, Norteño and Tejano music. His drive to document traditional music helped introduce the nation to our diverse musical heritage. He had the foresight to save music that might have otherwise been lost to obscurity and played a role in strengthening cultural traditions through his records, films, and most recently the Arhoolie Foundation. He cared for those around him, fought for royalties and recognition for Arhoolie artists, and provided counsel to countless musicians, writers, film makers, and academics.

Plans for a public celebration of his life will be announced in the coming weeks. Today we’re thinking of all that Chris brought to our lives and the lives of the musicians and fans with whom he shared his passion.

Support The Arhoolie Foundation