Ed Bell (musician)

Ed Bell was an American blues musician, guitarist, and vocalist active primarily in the 1920s. He is best known for his recordings made for Paramount Records, where he was billed under various pseudonyms, including "Guitar Slim," "Sluefoot Joe," and "Barefoot Bill."

Born in Alabama, details of Bell's early life are scarce. His recording career began in 1927, and his output consisted mostly of blues and gospel songs. His guitar style, characterized by its intricate fingerpicking and use of bottleneck slide, has influenced subsequent generations of blues musicians. Although he wasn't a major star, his recordings are highly regarded by blues enthusiasts and collectors for their rawness and authenticity.

After 1930, Bell faded from the music scene, and little is known about his later life or date of death. His recordings have been reissued on numerous compilations, ensuring his legacy as a noteworthy figure in the history of early blues music. Some researchers believe that "Ed Bell" may have been a pseudonym itself, and the musician's real identity remains a topic of ongoing investigation within the blues community.