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Joseph Spence was a Bahamian folk guitarist and singer, born on August 3, 1910, in Andros, Bahamas. He was renowned for his highly original and rhythmic guitar playing, which featured a unique fingerpicking style that combined complex bass patterns with syncopated melody lines. His performances were often accompanied by his gruff humming and vocalizations, blending Bahamian rhythms, gospel, blues, and traditional folk. Spence gained wider recognition in the 1950s and 1960s after American folklorists recorded his performances, influencing a generation of American folk and blues musicians. Notable artists cited him as a major influence. His most famous recordings include “Living on the Hallelujah Side,” “Out on the Rolling Sea,” “Coming In on a Wing and a Prayer,” and the legendary Christmas song performance "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town." He passed away on March 18, 1984, in Nassau, Bahamas, at the age of 73. He was married to [spouse's name not provided].

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