Washboard Sam

Robert Brown (b 15 July 1910, Walnut Ridge, Arkansas – d 6 November 1966, Chicago), known professionally as Washboard Sam, was an American blues singer and musician.

Reputedly the half-brother of Big Bill Broonzy, Brown moved to Memphis in the 1920s, performing as a street musician with Sleepy John Estes and Hammie Nixon. He then moved to Chicago in 1932, performing regularly with Broonzy, and appearing with him and other musicians including Memphis Slim and Tampa Red on innumerable recording sessions for Lester Melrose of Bluebird Records.