He was best known for his leathery vocals and the full-bodied sound of his nine-string guitar, both of which reflected a life of hoboing through the South, hopping freights, spending time in jail, playing juke joined, and maintindependent blues spirit. (Robert Santelli The Big Book of the Blues p. 450)
Big Joe was a mountain of a man. He had a taste for pickled pigs feet, peppermint schnapps and Chesterfield cigarettes. He lived in an abandoned warehouse loft playing his hand modified guitar with cymbals taped to his knees and no laces in his shoes. Joe was the ultimate scavenger and tinkerer. He added three extra strings to his guitar by pounding nails in his headstock. He was King of the 9-string guitar. (See more here)
And, of course, he gets the writing credit for Baby, Please Don't Go.
Significant. File under: Delta Blues Men
In the music library: Baby Please Don't Go
This Ain't No Mouse Music: The Story Of Chris Strachwitz And Arhoolie Records: Sloppy Drunk Blues
Links: Wikipedia AllMusic Discogs Mississippi Blues Trail Big Joe Williams Biography
The Bob Dylan Who's Who Great Vintage Blues #17: Big Joe Williams
18 Minutes with Big Joe Williams Blues Photo of the Week: Big Joe Williams