Julius Daniels

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Julius Daniels (20 November 1901 — 18 October 1947^[1]^[2]) was an American blues musician. Born in Denmark, Bamberg County, South Carolina in 1903, he first recorded in 1927. His song "99 Year Blues" has been covered by Jim Kweskin, Chris Smither, Johnny Winter and Hot Tuna on their album Burgers.^[3] It has been often credited as a possible source for the tune, "Viola Lee Blues", recorded by Cannon's Jug Stompers in the 1920s and the Grateful Dead in 1966.^[2]

Although he only recorded a few tunes, Daniels plays an important role in the history of Piedmont blues. One of the first black artists to record in the South East, Daniels inspired future bluesmen with his mix of finger-picked blues, sacred and country music.^[2]

Recording for the first time, in 1927, Daniels was accompanied by the guitarist Bubba Lee Torrence, with whom he shared billing. During his second recording session, Daniels was joined by the guitarist Wilbert Andrews.^[2]

Daniels lived in Pineville, in Berkeley County, between 1912 and 1930. Relocating to Charlotte in 1930, he lived the rest of his life in the North Carolinian city, working in a variety of jobs including fire fighter.^[2]

His track "99 Year Blues" appeared on the box set, Anthology of American Folk Music.