Blind Willie Sites & History

Blind Willie McTell was born William Samuel Mctier, in Thomson, Ga on May 5, 1898. He learned to play the guitar in his teens and became a street performer in several Georgia cities, including Atlanta and Augusta. Regarded as one of the most accomplished guitarists and lyrical storytellers in Blues history, McTell never produced a hit record, but he had a prolific recording career, and influenced a wide variety of artists over an extended period of time.

1. McTell’s 12-String Strut

Stroll through downtown Thomson and view McTell’s 12-String Strut featuring a collection of seven-foot tall, hand-painted Stella guitar replicas; part of a public art project to honors McTell. Designed by local artists, a total of 15 different guitars honoring the influential bluesman are positioned strategically throughout downtown Thomson. Stop by the Thomson Depot to pick up a free map of all locations, see one of the guitars, and listen to an audio presentation about Blind Willie McTell. Also visit the Blind Willie McTell Mural at the end of Central Avenue.

2. Visit Blind Willie’s Grave

McTell died of a stroke in Milledgeville, Georgia, in 1959. He was buried at Jones Grove Church, near Thomson, Georgia, his birthplace. He was inducted into the Blues Foundation's Blues Hall of Fame in 1981 and the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 1990.

Bob Dylan's song "Blind Willie McTell" was recorded in 1983 and released in 1991 on The Bootleg Series Volumes 1-3, the refrain of which is "And I know no one can sing the blues like Blind Willie McTell".

3. Watch “Blind Willie’s Blues” at McDuffie Museum

A 1997 bio-pic called “Blind Willie's Blues” was produced by David Fulmer. The 54 minutes film is available in its entirety on YouTube and gives great insight to McTell’s influence. Ask about it at McDuffie Museum.

One of McTell's most famous songs, "Statesboro Blues", was frequently performed by the Allman Brothers Band.

For a deeper dive into Blind Willie McTell’s music catalog, an excellent place to start is the Last Session. McTell plays through 30+ years of songs, some his, some from others. Recorded in 1956, Blind Willie could't have been more laid back telling stories to these classic songs.

To learn more about McTell, click over to this article written by local historian and McDuffie Museum Director, Lewis Smith.

For more information about the Thomson area, contact the Thomson-McDuffie County CVB at 706-597-1000 or find us on Facebook or Instagram at @VisitThomsonGa.