Frank Edwards (blues musician)

Frank Edwards (1909-2002) was an American blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter, primarily known for his performances in the Piedmont blues style. Born in Washington, Georgia, Edwards learned to play guitar at a young age and developed a distinctive fingerpicking technique influenced by Blind Willie McTell and other regional blues artists.

Edwards spent much of his life working outside of music, holding jobs as a sharecropper and later as a janitor at the University of Georgia. Despite this, he continued to play music locally, gaining a reputation within the Athens, Georgia blues scene.

He gained wider recognition in the 1960s after being rediscovered by blues researchers and participating in the blues revival. He performed at numerous folk and blues festivals, including the Newport Folk Festival. He recorded several albums, including "Done Some Travelin'" (1973) and "Been There and Gone" (1993), which showcased his traditional Piedmont blues style, characterized by intricate guitar work and heartfelt vocals.

Edwards' music often addressed themes of hardship, faith, and the experiences of African Americans in the rural South. He is considered an important figure in the preservation of Piedmont blues traditions. His recordings and performances have influenced subsequent generations of blues musicians.