Big Bill Broonzy was born somewhere between 1893 to 1901, and died on the 14th August 1958.  He was an American blues singer, songwriter and guitarist.  He started playing country blues in the 1920's before moving on to a more urban blues soundin the 30's and 40's.  In the 1950s he became a leading figure in the Folk music revival when he returned to his folk-blues roots.  He is thought to be one of the key figures in the development of blues in the 20th century.  His rural to urban experiences led to him have a unique style of composition as a blues musician and composer.

Big Bill Broonzy died on the 15th August, 1958 after suffering complications with cancer.  His funeral was attended by such notable figures as Muddy Waters, along with many other blues men.