John Simpson - Turn Of the 20th Century Shreveport Musician

 John (AKA "Johnnie" or "Johnny") Simpson was an African-American guitar player who resided in Shreveport in the 1890s and 1900s. He was listed in the city directory living at 1028 Wood Street in 1902, and 707 Caddo Street in 1906 and 1907. Both addresses were walking distance from the infamous St. Paul Bottoms vice district with its saloons and brothels. 

Without specific mention, there is no way to prove, however he and his colleagues mentioned below were certainly the type of musicians who could have been seen by and possibly impressed a young Huddie "Lead Belly" Ledbetter; who later told of going to Fannin Street, which runs through the Bottoms, instead of to the state fair as instructed by his father. 

The articles below identify Simpson et al playing for Shreveport Times employees on various occasions. Nothing additional about the others has turned up, however updates to this blog will occur should more information become available. 

1892

Playing with Stevenson's String Band:  David Stevenson (mandolin), Walter McCoy, Isaac Paul, Johnny Simpson (presumably guitar). Two songs are mentioned - "Warble Oris" (?) by Paul, and "Cora Lee" by Simpson.

Shreveport Times 10-Aug-1892, Page 4

1893

Simpson and harpist Willie Bell.

Times 11-Apr-1893, Page 4

Again with Willie Bell, dubbed "exquisite master of the guitar" and "king of the harmonica" respectively.

Times 19-May-1893, Page 4

With Alfred Walker.

Times 03-Aug-1893, Page 4

1894

With Tony Walters on mandolin.

Times 11-Jul-1894, Page 4

With Pinkney Clark, also on guitar.

Times 10-Sep-1895, Page 3

ABOUT JOHN

1880

The U.S. Census  listed an 11 year-old John Simpson, the oldest of four sons of Dan (age 50) and Eddie (30) Simpson; living in Shreveport. The father's occupation was "laborer," while the mother's was "keeping house." 

1883

Young Simpson, now approximately 14 years of age, was summoned to appear in municipal court for being "disorderly & obscene." It is implied he had already received corporal punishment at the hand of arresting police.

Times 16-Jan-1883, Page 4

1885

Report of an altercation with another boy, John Lawrence, whose blow to Simpson's head with a brick left him seriously injured. 

Times 27-Jun-1885,, Page 4

1895

Notice of the marriage of John Simpson and Addie Wilson.....

Times 29-Dec-1895, Page 3

1896

.....and of the death of John Simpson, Jr.; age 20 months.

Shreveport Journal 06-Sep-1896, Page 1

1902

John Simpson and "A." (presumably Addie) living at 1028 Wood Street.

1902 Shreveport City Directory, Page 269

1904

Notice of a judgement in favor of Addie against Johnnie, possibly for divorce.

Times 05-May-1904, Page 7

1906 & 1907

Simpson living at 707 Caddo Street. He and Addie had apparently split as she's not listed.

1906 Shreveport City Directory, Page 284

1907 Shreveport City Directory,, Page 425

Afterward, Simpson just drops off the page, as no information about his later life could be found.

OTHER MUSICIANS OF THE PERIOD FOUND WHILE RESEARCHING JOHN

1893

Jordan and Brooks string band

Times 28-Jun-1893, Page 4

1894

A return engagement by the Brooks string band, with or without Jordan.

Times 20-Sep-1894, Page 4

1898

Isaac Johnson (bass) with Charley Hampter (mandolin) and Willie Bell (this time on guitar).

Times 03-Mar-1898, Page 8

1909

Eddie Thompson, AKA "Nookey" died of a gunshot received from an unknown assailant while leaving a woman's home. 

Times 02-Apr-1909, Page 3