Name: Today!
Brand: Skip James

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

1000144166

Colour

Black

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Bluesville Acoustic Sounds Series

Format Music US

Limited edition

Release date

2024-06-07

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier US

Unive­rsal

Tax rate US

Sales:8.875

UPC / Barcode

888072578814

Total Cap

9999

Black LP

Artist

Skip James

Genre US

Blues / Gospel

Label US

Craft Recordings

Restored classics, rare finds, and sought-after releases. Whether you're a vinyl enthusiast or a tape collector, we have something for everyone.

Reissues

Blues and gospel singer and songwriter, Skip James, was known for his distinctive falsetto vocals and minor-key guitar sound. Born on June 21, 1902 in Yazoo City, Mississippi, James was raised on the Woodbine plantation just outside Betonia. Inspired by musicians Henry Stuckey and Rich Griffin at a young age, he taught himself piano and developed his guitar style after learning from Stuckey. In 1931, James signed a contract with Paramount Records and recorded several songs. However, due to his newfound religion as a Baptist minister's son, he refused further recording opportunities.
In 1948, James attempted to resume his blues career but struggled to find success in the changing blues landscape of Mississippi. He eventually disappeared from the music scene until being rediscovered in 1964 by Bill Barth, John Fahey, and Henry Vestine. Despite battling cancer and constant pain during this time period, James made a comeback with performances at the Newport Folk Festival in 1964. He released albums with various record companies such as Vanguard Records.
During the last years of his life spent in Philadelphia with his third wife, James faced financial difficulties until receiving recognition for his songwriting credits through the group Cream's recording of "I'm So Glad." In 1992, he was posthumously inducted into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame.

Newest Listed Items

Today! is Skip James’ second album, originally released in 1966. The album features James solo on all but one track, “How Long,” which includes Russ Savakus on bass. This 180-gram LP pressed at QRP includes an obi with notes by Scott Billington, a paper-wrapped jacket and (AAA) lacquers cut from the original master tapes by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab. AllMusic asserts, “wonderful vocals, superb guitar and a couple of tunes with tasty piano make this essential."

Today!

Music US

Discover Today! by Skip James on Craft Recordings. Second album from 1966, featuring wonderful vocals and superb guitar. Available in 180-gram LP format with exclusive notes.