Blind Willie Johnson
This is a quote from a West Wing episode. Links are mine.
Josh: "Voyager, in case it's ever encountered by extraterrestrials, is carrying photos of life on earth, greetings in fifty-five languages, and a collection of music from Gregorian chant to Chuck Berry, including "Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground" by 1920s bluesman Blind Willie Johnson, whose stepmother blinded him at seven by throwing lye in his eyes after his father beat her for being with another man. He died penniless of pneumonia after sleeping bundled in wet newspapers in the ruins of his house that burned down, but his music just left the solar system."
Wikipedia biography. Additional info from Common Ground and Austin 360. His discography. Clips of his work can be played online here and here. His songs can also be requested on Weenie Juke Radio
Youtube videos:
Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground as used in The Gospel According to St. Matthew
Trouble Will Soon Be Over
God Moves on Water and If I Had My Way I'd Tear This Building Down
Josh: "Voyager, in case it's ever encountered by extraterrestrials, is carrying photos of life on earth, greetings in fifty-five languages, and a collection of music from Gregorian chant to Chuck Berry, including "Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground" by 1920s bluesman Blind Willie Johnson, whose stepmother blinded him at seven by throwing lye in his eyes after his father beat her for being with another man. He died penniless of pneumonia after sleeping bundled in wet newspapers in the ruins of his house that burned down, but his music just left the solar system."
Wikipedia biography. Additional info from Common Ground and Austin 360. His discography. Clips of his work can be played online here and here. His songs can also be requested on Weenie Juke Radio
Youtube videos:
Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground as used in The Gospel According to St. Matthew
Trouble Will Soon Be Over
God Moves on Water and If I Had My Way I'd Tear This Building Down