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Description
Jesse Fuller (1896-1976) was born on Jonesboro, Georgia in March 12, 1896. In 1954 Fuller recorded his most notable song, "San Francisco Bay Blues", and by 1960 Fuller booked a European tour, and devoted himself full time to music. Jesse Fuller Records consists of newspaper clippings, photographs, and audio recordings.
Background
Jesse Fuller (1896-1976) was born in Jonesboro, Georgia on March 12, 1896. As a young man he found his way to Los Angeles, California, where he worked as an extra in films such as The Thief of Bagdad (1924) and East of Suez (1925). By 1929, Fuller moved to Oakland, California where he married Gertrude Fuller and worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad. In the 1950s, Fuller started to focus on music, preforming as a one man band and calling himself "Lone Cat." On stage Fuller performed with his guitar, harmonic, kazoo, high hat and a six string bass of his own invention, which he played with his foot. Fuller called this instrument a "fotdella."
Extent
.25 linear feet (1 box)
Restrictions
Permission to publish from the Jesse Fuller Collection must be obtained from the African American Museum & Library at Oakland.
Availability
No access restrictions. Collection is open to the public.