Blind Willie McTell (May 5, 1901 - August 15, 1959) was an influential
blues singer and guitarist. He was born in Thomson, Georgia and died in Milledgeville, Georgia. McTell was a twelve-string finger picking guitarist and singer who recorded from 1927 to 1955. One of his most famous songs, "Statesboro Blues" has been covered by many artists including
Taj Mahal and
The Allman Brothers Band. In 1983,
Bob Dylan recorded a tribute song for McTell, using the folk melody of "St. James Infirmary Blues," although the track went unreleased until 1991.