Barbecue Bob, born Robert Hicks on September 11, 1902, in Walnut Grove, Georgia, was a seminal figure in the Piedmont blues tradition. Taught guitar by Savannah "Dip" Weaver, he mastered the 12-string guitar, blending ragtime rhythms with traditional blues. His 1927 debut, "Barbecue Blues," recorded under Columbia Records, became a significant hit, leading to over 60 recordings that captured the essence of Southern life. Bob's distinctive style and emotive performances left an indelible mark on American blues before his untimely death in 1931. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbecue_Bob?utm_source=openai))