Blind Willies | Atlanta, GA

October 14, 2008 by lindsey
Filed under Atlanta

Though it’s small in size, Blind Willie’s is large in classic blues club ambience. From the smoky interior to the hot licks generated on the postage stamp sized stage, it is the kind of place where the blues was meant to be played and heard. Although located in the tres trendy Virginia Highland neighborhood, this club is the reincarnation of the juke joints and roadhouses where the music was born. Arguably one of Atlanta’s finest blues bars, Willie’s features live blues nightly from around the country, but local bands are part of the scene as well. The place is often packed Monday through Saturday, so arrive early. Reservations are not accepted.

This club is named after “Blind” Willie McTell, one of the most accomplished guitarists and lyrical storytellers in Blues history. Born in 1901 in Thomson, Georgia, Blind Willie lost his sight in late childhood, yet recorded over 150 songs between 1927 and 1956, including such blues tunes as “Statesboro Blues” and “Broke Down Engine Blues.” A blues festival in McTell’s honor is held annually in his home town of Thomson.