Little Bill Gaither - Part 1

August 04, 2024

For the next three weeks we'll explore the music of Little Bill Gaither, a legendary Indianapolis blues singer and guitarist.

Gaither was born in Kentucky in 1910. He spent his childhood in Louisville and moved to Indianapolis in the early 1930s. Gaither quickly found his place in the early Naptown blues scene, partnering with a local piano player named George “Honey” Hill”. They would go on to record dozens of classic blues records together.

Gaither left behind a large catalog of music. From 1935 to 1941, he recorded over 100 songs for labels including Decca and Okeh. Gaither’s music documented his life in Indianapolis, from the good times he had on the Avenue, to serious themes, like the outbreak of World War II, and the tuberculosis epidemic. 

On this edition, listen to the early recordings of Little Bill Gaither.