John Fahey

American fingerstyle guitarist and composer, pioneer of the 'American primitive' guitar style; founder of Takoma Records; active from 1959 until his death in 2001.

Founded Takoma Records. Frequently used the pseudonym Blind Joe Death. Influential on American primitive and neo-folk musicians. Contracted Epstein-Barr syndrome in 1986 and continued performing. Died in 2001.

Six DeBaser reviews praise John Fahey's singular fingerpicking and his blending of Delta blues, folk and mysticism. Reviewers highlight his early Blind Joe Death hoax, later experimental turns, and long solo guitar compositions. Albums frequently recommended include The Transfiguration of Blind Joe Death, Fare Forward Voyagers and The Voice of the Turtle. Fahey is presented as a foundational, eccentric figure in American primitive guitar.

For:Fans of acoustic fingerstyle guitar, Americana, folk-blues, students of American primitive and experimental folk.