Saunders Terrell, or Sonny Terry, was born in Greensboro, North Carolina in 1911 and died on March 11 1986 in Mineola, New York. He was most widely known for his energetic blues harmonica style which frequently included vocal whoops and hollers. He lost most of his eyesight early in life, in separate accidents.

He established a long-standing musical relationship with Brownie McGhee, and the pair recorded numerous tracks together. The duo became well-known, even among white audiences.