Many a rumor and legend surrounds the origins and life of Floyd Beaumont, but very little is actually known about the man and his music.

Did he really leave his native Arkadelphia, Arkansas, as a youth to follow "Doc" Samuel O'Barley's itinerant medicine show all across the south, as some sources claim, or was his birthplace rather in Dallas' infamous Deep Elem District, where he is said to have learnt to play guitar from Blind Lemon Jefferson?

In an interview with blues historian All...

Many a rumor and legend surrounds the origins and life of Floyd Beaumont, but very little is actually known about the man and his music.

Did he really leave his native Arkadelphia, Arkansas, as a youth to follow "Doc" Samuel O'Barley's itinerant medicine show all across the south, as some sources claim, or was his birthplace rather in Dallas' infamous Deep Elem District, where he is said to have learnt to play guitar from Blind Lemon Jefferson?

In an interview with blues historian Allan Lamox, the independent record label owner Abe Goldberg pretended that he recorded Floyd Beaumont on his Goldbird label backing white country and blues greats such as Jimmie Rodgers and the Delmore Brothers.

Whatever may be truth or legend, today Floyd Beaumont stands at the crossroads of the blues: from black Delta moans to white hillbilly boogie shuffles, from sophisticated uptown swing to down-home romps and stomps, from street corners to the concert stage - Floyd Beaumont's music resonate with the rich heritage of the blues. This is further reflected in his choice of instruments: besides singing Floyd plays acoustic and slide guitar, mandolin and banjo.

Floyd Beaumont soon teamed up with his friends, the Arkadelphians - a loose association of fearless, free-wheeling pickers. There is "Slapping" Ralph Silverfox, a veteran musician at home in many styles of American music. He provides the little group with that ever-important groove on his double bass. David "String-picker" Courby handles acoustic- and slide guitar duties while sporting the largest grin in the business. Finally, Yanik "Junior G" Gertsch is the junior member of this musical congregation. He lays down that solid rhythm on the washboard, makes his harmonica moan and knows his way around on the guitar. Last but not least, audiences will appreciate his fine singing voice. The Arkadelphians complement and fit in with Floyd Beaumont's style to deliver for your enjoyment their unique blend of American Roots Music.

Or as Floyd would put it himself: "Keep 'em coming!"