Born on March 1912 in Centerville TX. Died on January 1982. In 1920, he met the legendary Blind Lemon Jefferson at a social function and got a chance to play with him.
His cousin was Texas Alexander. While they were playing together in Houston in 1946, he was discovered by Lola Anne Cullum of Los Angeles' Aladdin Records.
Strong recordings followed, such as his song "Mojo Hand" (1960). He later inspired many artists such as Jimmie Vaughan, Townes Van Zandt and Ron "Pigpen" McKernan.