More results...

Filter by Categories
Photo Galleries
Audio Interviews
The Frontera Collection
Close
Menu
banner header chris strachwitz collection

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
00:00
00:00
  • 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

Dear friends,

On Giving Tuesday, we announced the capital campaign to purchase our building at 10341 San Pablo Ave in El Cerrito — home to the Arhoolie Foundation (and before that Arhoolie Records), Les Blank Films, and Down Home Music Store since 1976. We’ve been heartened by the community’s response to our fundraising announcement. To all who have donated so far: thank you. We couldn’t do this without you.

Now, while there is a contract in place to buy the building in partnership with Les Blank Films, we need to raise $1.2 million — our half of the purchase price — by April 15. Donations to the campaign can be made via the link below, by check, or by bank transfer. (To make a bank transfer, please email us at info@arhoolie.org).

In the new year, we look forward to collaborating with Les Blank Films and Down Home Music to bring more public programming to our community. We plan to revive Les Blank and Chris Strachwitz’s tradition of in-store film screenings and will host more informal, free performances and gatherings in the store as part of our outreach work. We believe this collaboration will result in a vibrant community gathering place dedicated to music, film, and deep roots culture.

If you’re interested in donating and would like to discuss our plans for the building, please don’t hesitate to email director Adam Machado at adam@arhoolie.org.

Thank you for your support as we begin this exciting new chapter!

Donate