He was born on a farm in Eatonton, Georgia, United States, and taught himself guitar at the age of 21. Over time he became skilled in pre-Piedmont finger picking and slide guitar techniques. He continued working on the farm until he was shot in a fight, as a result of which he lost his right leg and began working full-time as a musician. In 1923 he moved to Atlanta, Georgia and began playing on street corners, but also served a period in prison for bootlegging liquor.
In 1926, he was heard playing on the streets of Atlanta and was recorded for the first time by Columbia Records. They released "New Prison Blues", written while in prison and the first country blues to be issued on the label. Over the next three years Columbia recorded him on several occasions, often accompanied by a small group including Henry Williams on guitar and Eddie Anthony on fiddle. His recorded repertoire covered ballads, ragtime, and jazz, as well as blues. Anthony's vigorous dance playing gives us a rare view of the black string-band music that was almost obliterated by the craze for recording blues guitarists.
Howell continued to play around the Atlanta area for several years, but also began selling bootleg liquor again. After the mid 1930s he only performed occasionally and, in 1952, his left leg was removed as a result of diabetes, confining him to a wheelchair. A single track by Howell was issued on The Country Blues in 1959, and in 1963 he was "rediscovered" in dire poverty in Atlanta by folklorist and field researcher George Mitchell and his high-school class-mate, Roger Brown. They recorded Howell at the age of 75 with the results issued on LP by Testament Records thirty-four years after his last recorded sessions, one of Mitchell's first field-recording sessions in his long career. Howell died in Atlanta in 1966.
Broke and Hungry Blues
Peg Leg Howell Lyrics
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I'm sick, broke and hungry, good gal done drove me away
I'm outdoors, mama, ain't got nowhere to stay
Said, the woman I love, she done put me down
Said, the woman I love, she done put me down
It wouldn't worry my mind, but the news all over town
My good gal quit me, like to kill me dead
I wake up every morning, the blues all around my head
Can't see why, mama, you treat me like you do
Can't see why, mama, you treat me like you do
If you don't want me, sayin' I don't want you
You 'buked me, dogged me, drove me from your door
You 'buked me, dogged me, drove me from your door
Told me to my face you don't want me no more
I was standing at the station, waiting for my train
Standing at the station, waiting for my train
Outdoors, sleeping in the rain
Pretty mama, pretty mama, honey what's on your mind?
Tell me, pretty mama, honey what's on your mind?
Say, you can't quit me, t'ain't no need of tryin'
In Peg Leg Howell's song "Broke and Hungry Blues," the singer laments about his current state of being broke and homeless. He reveals that his partner has left him and the news has spread throughout town, adding to his sense of shame and despair. The singer expresses confusion as to why his partner would treat him unfairly, indicating his loyalty and commitment to her despite having women in various locations. He adds that he has been rejected and mistreated by his partner, who told him to leave and not come back, leaving him to sleep outside in the rain.
The song is a poignant representation of the struggles that many African Americans faced during the early 20th century, particularly those living in the South. The singer's situation is not unique, as many black individuals were economically marginalized due to systemic racism and Jim Crow laws that restricted their access to education, jobs, housing, and other basic needs. Despite these challenges, the singer's resilience and determination to keep going are evident in his perseverance in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Says, I'm sick, broke and hungry, good gal done drove me away
I am physically ill, have no money or food, and my lover has left me homeless.
Said, the woman I love, she done put me down
The woman I care for has ended our relationship.
I got a woman Cincinnati, one in Tennessee, woman in Georgia is good enough for me
I have romantic partners in multiple states, but I have lost the one I truly love.
Can't see why, mama, you treat me like you do
I do not understand why my lover is treating me poorly.
You 'buked me, dogged me, drove me from your door
You have criticized me, mistreated me, and banished me from your life.
I was standing at the station, waiting for my train
I was waiting at the train station, hoping to move on with my life.
Pretty mama, pretty mama, honey what's on your mind?
My dear, can you tell me what troubles you are facing?
Contributed by Hudson M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.