673 Washington Phillips (1880-1954) “What Are They Doing In Heaven” 1928

“He hailed from Texas and was born in 1880. It is believed that at some time early in his career Washington and his two brothers made the acquaintance of another local musician named Blind Lemon Jefferson and performed as a quartet. The differences between Washington and Jefferson could hardly be wider. While Lemon was a master of the Delta blues, Washington sang holiness music and accompanied himself on an instrument related to the zither, but as modified by Phillips it has become known as a dulceola. He began recording in 1927 and his recordings were described as Gospel songs with novelty accompaniment” (Tom Druckenmiller, Sing Out!, Fall 2005). 

Washington Phillips “What Are They Doing In Heaven”