Henry Thomas (1874–1930) was an American country blues musician, often celebrated as one of the earliest recorded artists to bridge African American folk traditions with what would become the blues. Known for his distinctive use of the quills (panpipes) and rhythmic guitar style, Thomas’s recordings from the late 1920s—such as “Fishin’ Blues” and “Bull Doze Blues”—influenced generations of artists across folk, blues, and rock. His timeless sound captures the spirit of early American roots music, marking him as a vital link in the evolution of modern blues.