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Blind Boy Fuller

Fulton Allen, who took the stage name "Blind Boy Fuller," was one of the most influential bluesmen of the 1930s, even though his musical career lasted only a short time. He played in what was termed the "East Coast Piedmont Style" of blues. Discovered singing on the streets of Durham, his most important years were from 1935, when he was taken to New York City to record, to about 1939, after which time he became ill. His work was still being played regularly by blues performers into the late 1950s. Here is a short excerpt from his song "Looking For My Woman", recorded on Wednesday, July 24, 1935 in New York City. (Photo and sound clip courtesy Columbia Records - Sony Music Entertainment) [NOTE: Will automatically load in Microsoft Internet Explorer/Windows Media Player in 3-6 minutes (at dial-up speed) - when loaded, click play button on console. May not work in other web browsers - As an alternative, Download file here (1.2Mb WAV file - 5 to 7 minutes at 56K dial-up speeds)] CAUTION: If you are in a public place such as a library or cafe, it may be impolite to play this sound track as it may annoy others.

 

Burial Place of Fulton Allen

Fulton Allen died from a severe bladder infection on February 13, 1941 at age 33. Two days later he was buried in the now long-defunct Grove Hill Cemetery. The grave of Fulton Allen is lost, as are all others in this cemetery; there was no gravestone. In June 2001 a plaque memorializing him and calling attention to his nearby burial was dedicated on the American Tobacco Trail off Fayetteville Street. This trail follows the route of a railroad right-of-way which is the southern boundary of the lot on which the Grove Hill Cemetery is located. The plaque is mounted on a brick pedestal and is located about 50 yards east of Fayetteville Street and somewhat eastward from the southeast corner of the cemetery.(Photograph by Milton Forsyth, 2003)   Web page prepared by Milton Forsyth in 2003

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Last revised 4 September 2006