zth, voc, 1880-1954 US, Freestone County, Texas
Singer / Musician of Blues, Folk and World
Phillips was a pioneering gospel performer in the 1920s. Born January 11, 1880 in Texas, Phillips recorded sixteen songs, some of which amount to highly specific and detailed gospel sermons. The songs were recorded between 1927 and 1929 and feature Phillips' voice self-accompanied by an instrument that sounds like a fretless zither. This instrument, which has been variously identified as a Dolceola, a Celestophone, and a Phonoharp (and also is considered by some to be an instrument entirely home-made by Phillips) creates a unique sound on these recordings that makes them immediately recognizable. Phillips died September 20, 1954 in Teague, Texas, at the age of 74.
Track list and 30sec audio provided by
Title | Artist | Year | Type |
---|---|---|---|
Washington Phillips And His Manzarene Dreams | Washington Phillips | 2016 | Compil. |
Denomination Blues | Washington Phillips | 2007 | Single |
What Are They Doing In Heaven Today? | Washington Phillips | 2006 | Compil. |
The Key To The Kingdom | Washington Phillips | 2005 | Compil. |
I Am Born To Preach The Gospel | Washington Phillips | 1991 | Compil. |
Denomination Blues | Washington Phillips | 1980 | Compil. |
The Church Needs Good Deacons / I Had A Good Father And Mother | Washington Phillips | 1930 | Album |
I've Got The Key To The Kingdom / A Mother's Last Word To Her Daughter | Washington Phillips | 1930 | Album |
I Am Born To Preach The Gospel / Train Your Child | Washington Phillips | 1929 | Album |
Take Your Burden To The Lord And Leave It There / Lift Him Up That's All | Washington Phillips | 1928 | Album |