Check out these new and used John Fahey vinyl records LPs for sale. We recommend starting your John Fahey vinyl collection with the essential albums The Transfiguration Of Blind Joe Death, The Great San Bernardino Birthday Party & Other Excursions and Requia. Our inventory is always changing, so check back often, or browse our list of vinyl records for sale from rock musicians.

John Fahey: The Virtuoso of American Primitivism

A Prodigy’s Genesis (1939-1959)

Early Years and Influences John Fahey, born in 1939, emerged as a prodigious talent in the realm of American primitive guitar. Raised in Takoma Park, Maryland, Fahey’s exposure to blues, folk, and classical music laid the foundation for his distinctive style.

Inception of American Primitivism

Rediscovering Blues Roots In the late 1950s, Fahey delved into the rediscovery of blues roots, especially the Delta blues of artists like Blind Willie Johnson. This exploration played a pivotal role in shaping the American primitive style he would later pioneer.

“Blind Joe Death” (1959): A Debut Revelation

Rediscovering the Guitar Fahey’s debut album, “Blind Joe Death” (1959), showcased his unique approach to fingerstyle guitar. Released under the pseudonym Blind Joe Death, the album featured Fahey’s intricate compositions and adept guitar work, laying the groundwork for American Primitivism.

Notable Tracks:

1. “St. Louis Blues”
2. “John Henry”
3. “In Christ There Is No East or West”

Evolution of American Primitivism (1960-1979)

“Death Chants, Breakdowns, and Military Waltzes” (1963): Expanding the Palette

Wider Musical Horizons “Death Chants, Breakdowns, and Military Waltzes” (1963) marked a notable expansion of Fahey’s musical palette. While rooted in his signature fingerstyle, the album introduced diverse elements, reflecting influences from Western classical music and Eastern scales.

Notable Tracks:

1. “Sun Gonna Shine on My Back Door Someday Blues”
2. “Some Summer Day”
3. “On the Beach at Waikiki”

“The Dance of Death & Other Plantation Favorites” (1964): Narrative Elements

Narrative Elements and Storytelling “The Dance of Death & Other Plantation Favorites” (1964) continued Fahey’s exploration of narrative elements within instrumental compositions. The album featured evocative pieces that painted sonic landscapes, showcasing Fahey’s storytelling prowess through the guitar.

Notable Tracks:

1. “Wine and Roses”
2. “Worried Blues”
3. “How Green Was My Valley”

“The Great San Bernardino Birthday Party” (1966): Experimental Flourishes

Avant-Garde and Experimental Elements “The Great San Bernardino Birthday Party” (1966) marked a period of experimental flourishes. Fahey’s willingness to incorporate avant-garde elements showcased his evolving vision, with tracks like “Excerpt from ‘Dog Latin'” demonstrating a departure from traditional structures.

Notable Tracks:

1. “Excerpt from ‘Dog Latin'”
2. “The Singing Bridge of Memphis, Tennessee”
3. “Guitar Excursions into the Unknown”

“Requia” (1967): Exploring Death and Mortality

Meditations on Death “Requia” (1967) delved into themes of death and mortality, influenced by Fahey’s introspection and personal struggles. The album showcased a blend of sorrowful and introspective compositions, with tracks like “Requiem for John Hurt” exemplifying Fahey’s emotional depth.

Notable Tracks:

1. “Requiem for John Hurt”
2. “Requiem for Molly (Part 3)”
3. “Requiem for Mississippi John Hurt”

“The Yellow Princess” (1968): Folk Revival and Collaboration

Folk Revival Influence “The Yellow Princess” (1968) witnessed Fahey’s engagement with the folk revival movement. The album featured collaborations with musicians like Joe Byrd, adding diverse instrumental textures to Fahey’s guitar work.

Notable Tracks:

1. “The Yellow Princess”
2. “View (East from the Top of the Riggs Road/B&O Trestle)”
3. “Lion”

“America” (1971): Ambitious Exploration

Epic Musical Journey “America” (1971) marked an ambitious exploration of Fahey’s American Primitivism. The double album showcased his ability to capture the essence of American folk traditions while infusing his compositions with intricate guitar work and innovative arrangements.

Notable Tracks:

1. “Jesus Is a Dying Bed Maker”
2. “America”
3. “Dalhart, Texas, 1967”

Later Years and Legacy (1980 Onward)

Fahey’s Impact and Legacy John Fahey’s influence extends beyond his own discography. His legacy lies in the profound impact he had on the American Primitivism movement and his role in reshaping the perception of the acoustic guitar as a solo instrument. Fahey’s innovative spirit paved the way for subsequent generations of fingerstyle guitarists.

“Let Go” (1984): Final Solo Album

Culmination of a Solo Journey “Let Go” (1984), Fahey’s final solo album before a brief hiatus, showcased his continued evolution. The album featured a mix of traditional folk tunes and original compositions, reflecting Fahey’s virtuosity and enduring commitment to the craft.

Notable Tracks:

1. “Horses”
2. “Steamboat Gwine ‘Round De Bend”
3. “Let Go”

“Old Girlfriends and Other Horrible Memories” (1992): Eclectic Compilation

Eclectic Retrospective “Old Girlfriends and Other Horrible Memories” (1992) compiled Fahey’s diverse works, offering a retrospective journey through his discography. The album featured selections from different phases of his career, highlighting the evolution of his unique approach.

Notable Tracks:

1. “Wine and Roses”
2. “Poor Boy Long Ways from Home”
3. “On the Sunny Side of the Ocean”

“The Epiphany of Glenn Jones” (2012): Posthumous Collaboration

Posthumous Collaborative Release “The Epiphany of Glenn Jones” (2012) stands as a posthumous collaborative effort. Glenn Jones, a dedicated follower of Fahey’s work, paid tribute to the maestro by reinterpreting and recording some of Fahey’s compositions.

Notable Tracks:

1. “In Christ There Is No East or West”
2. “Dance of the Inhabitants of the Invisible City of Bladensburg”
3. “The Revolt of the Dyke Brigade”

Conclusion: Fahey’s Enduring Primitivism

John Fahey’s journey through the world of American Primitivism is an enduring testament to his virtuosity and innovative spirit. From the raw revelations of “Blind Joe Death” to the expansive sonic landscapes of “America,” Fahey’s guitar became a vessel for the exploration of American musical traditions.

Fahey’s impact on the world of fingerstyle guitar and the broader landscape of acoustic music is immeasurable. His legacy lives on through the countless artists he influenced and the enduring resonance of his own compositions. In the realm of American Primitivism, John Fahey’s name stands as a beacon, guiding aspiring musicians toward the boundless possibilities of the acoustic guitar.