Peg Leg Howell
Blues and folk guitarist, pioneering slide guitar technique
Peg Leg Howell (c. 1888–1966) was an influential early blues and folk guitarist from Eatonton, Georgia, known for his distinctive slide guitar technique and authentic Delta blues style. After a tragic railroad accident cost him his left leg, Howell adapted his playing technique and continued his musical career with remarkable determination and creativity. He recorded numerous songs in the late 1920s and early 1930s, becoming one of the earliest documented blues musicians to achieve recording success. His influential recordings of traditional blues standards and original compositions captured the raw emotion and technical innovation of early American blues. Howell's ability to overcome his disability and maintain a career in music made him a notable figure in blues history, influencing later generations of acoustic guitarists and helping preserve the authentic sounds of Georgia blues traditions.
Entertainment
American
1888
1966
Thinking about the name
Peg
Greek origin
“A short form of Margaret, deriving from the Greek Margarites (meaning 'pearl'), Peg adds a spunky, no-nonsense charm to the classic name. Popular in the mid-20th century, Peg feels tomboy-ish and friendly, with a directness that pairs well with vintage Americana. It's the kind of name that feels both classic and spirited.”