Floyd Council, known as "Dipper Boy," was a renowned blues musician born in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, in 1911. His fingerpicking style and poignant lyrics captured the essence of Piedmont blues, earning him recognition in the 1930s blues scene. Council's influence extended beyond his own recordings, shaping the sound of fellow musicians like Pink Anderson. Despite intermittent recording periods, his impact on the blues genre endured. Council's legacy lives on through his recordings, showcasing his talent and the enduring power of the blues tradition. He passed away in 1976, but his music continues to inspire blues enthusiasts worldwide.

There are no records dedicated solely to Council's solo work. However, the CD "Carolina Blues" includes six of his recorded songs: "I'm Grievin' and I'm Worryin'", "I Don't Want No Hungry Woman", "Lookin' for My Baby", "Poor and Ain't Got a Dime", "Runaway Man Blues", and "Working Man Blues". In a 1969 interview, Council mentioned recording 27 songs throughout his career, with seven of them accompanying Blind Boy Fuller. Many of these songs featuring Council on guitar can be found in Fuller's Complete Recorded Works.

Biography 

Floyd Council, often referred to as "Dipper Boy" due to his distinctive fingerpicking style, was a notable blues musician born on September 2, 1911, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA. He grew up surrounded by the rich musical traditions of the Piedmont region, where he learned to play guitar at a young age.

Council's music career began to gain traction in the 1930s when he started performing at local venues and parties. His intricate fingerpicking technique, influenced by artists like Blind Boy Fuller and Gary Davis, set him apart in the blues scene. Council's lyrics often reflected the struggles and joys of everyday life, resonating deeply with his audience.

In 1937, Council made his first recordings for the American Record Company, including tracks like "Poor Boy" and "Runaway Man Blues." These recordings showcased his talent and helped establish him as a respected figure in the blues community.

Despite his considerable talent, Council's music career was sporadic, with periods of recording activity interspersed with other work. He worked variously as a farmer, laborer, and chauffeur throughout his life.

Floyd Council's influence extended beyond his own recordings. He played a significant role in shaping the sound of fellow musicians, including the legendary blues artist, Pink Anderson. Council's style continued to inspire generations of musicians long after his active career.

Council's legacy lives on through his recordings and the impact he made on the blues genre. His contributions to the Piedmont blues style remain celebrated, and his music continues to be cherished by blues enthusiasts worldwide.

Floyd Council passed away on May 9, 1976, but his music remains a testament to his talent and the enduring power of the blues tradition.

Syd Barrett, of the English psychedelic rock band Pink Floyd, created the band's name by juxtaposing the first names of Floyd Council and South Carolina bluesman Pink Anderson, having noticed the names in the liner notes of a 1962 album by Blind Boy Fuller, written by the blues historian Paul Oliver: "Curley Weaver and Fred McMullen, ... Pink Anderson or Floyd Council—these were a few amongst the many blues singers that were to be heard in the rolling hills of the Piedmont, or meandering with the streams through the wooded valleys."

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