Julius Daniels

Who was Julius Daniels?

Julius Daniels was an American Piedmont blues musician. His song "99 Year Blues" appeared on the box set Anthology of American Folk Music and has been covered by Jim Kweskin, Chris Smither, Johnny Winter, Charlie Parr and Hot Tuna on their album Burgers.

Daniels was born in Denmark, South Carolina, United States. He lived in Pineville, North Carolina, from 1912 to 1930, when he moved to Charlotte, North Carolina. He first recorded in 1927, joined first by guitarist Bubba Lee Torrence and later by Wilbert Andrews. Daniels is buried at the Silver Mount Church Cemetery near Fort Mill, South Carolina.

The Historic Society of Bamberg County held the first Julius Daniels Memorial Blues Festival at the Dane Theater in Denmark, South Carolina, on October 23, 2010. Performers included Drink Small, Beverly Watkins, The Meeting Street Sheiks and Hitman. Gary Erwin was the artistic director. The 2nd JDMBF was held on October 22, 2011, and featured Sandra Hall, Roy Roberts and The King Bees with Rob Baskerville serving as artistic director. The Historic Society moved the JDMBF to the last Saturday in February. Juke Joint Johnny and Elliot & the Untouchables performed at the 3rd Julius Daniels Memorial Blues Festival on February 25, 2012. The 4th JDMBF was on February 23, 2013 and featured Jeff Liberty and Fatback & The Groove Band. The 5th JDMBF was held on Saturday, February 22, 2014 featuring Anthony Charles & the Blues Dolphins, The Front Porch Three and Warren Peay. The 6th JDMBF will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2015.