J.D. Short

Bluesman J.D. Short is considered by many to be a part of the "St.Louis blues" scene, he actually learned his craft in Port Gibson, MS, where he was born in 1902. An all-around talent--he played guitar, harmonica, piano, and was a singer--he moved to St. Louis after making his name in the Delta. He began recording in 1930 for such labels as Victor and Vocalion, and played all over St. Louis, ranging from house parties to small clubs, often with his cousin Honeyboy Edwards, Short was drafted into the US Army in 1942, but was discharged for medical reasons when he was injured in an accident during basic training. He returned to St. Louis and got back into the music scene. He recorded an album with Big Joe Williams in 1958. He pretty much stayed in the St. Louis area until his death there of a heart attack 1962.