Ernest Thompson

Ernest Thompson (1892 – 1961) was not well known and his career lasted but five short years, his repertoire included some important songs that would become country standards largely through his April 1924 recording session.

Thompson, who lived in Winston-Salem North Carolina, lost his sight at age 18 in a sawmill accident. Although he attended the State School for the Blind and learned skills commonly taught at the time (piano tuning, broom making), he became most interested in developing his musical skills. Becoming a one-man band adept at 26 different instruments, Thompson performed as a street musician and at dances, building a large repertoire of songs.

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