Joseph Spence

Bahamian folk guitarist and singer renowned for his highly original and rhythmic guitar playing.
Born: August 3, 1910 in Small Hope, Bahamas
Died: March 18, 1984 in Nassau, Bahamas (aged 73)

Born in the Bahamas, Spence developed a unique fingerpicking style that combined complex bass patterns with syncopated melody lines, often accompanied by his gruff humming and vocalizations. His music blended Bahamian rhythms, gospel, blues, and traditional folk.

He gained wider recognition in the 1950s and 1960s after American folklorists recorded his performances, which then influenced a generation of American folk and blues musicians. Artists such as The Grateful Dead cited him as a major influence.

His most famous recordings include “Living on the Hallelujah Side”, “Out on the Rolling Sea”, “Coming In on a Wing and a Prayer” and the legendary Christmas song performance "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town".

He was married to Louise Spence