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John Cephas

John Cephas was born in Washington, DC in 1920 and raised in Bowling Green, Virginia. His first taste of music was gospel, but blues soon became his calling. After learning to play the alternating thumb and finger-picking guitar style that defines Piedmont blues, Cephas began emulating the records he heard by Blind Boy Fuller, Blind Blake, Rev. Gary Davis and other early Piedmont artists. Since joining with Phil Wiggins in 1977, he has performed all over the world as a duo, serving as an ambassador of this singular American art form.

Watch Past Performances

John Cephas and Phil Wiggins 9/28/04: John Cephas and Phil Wiggins

John Cephas, a 1989 NEA National Heritage Fellow, and Phil Wiggins create their own unique mix of Piedmont blues, gospel, Delta blues, R&B, folk ballads, and their own compositions.

John Cephas and Phil Wiggins

John Cephas, a 1989 NEA National Heritage Fellow, and Phil Wiggins create their own unique mix of Piedmont blues, gospel, Delta blues, R&B, folk ballads, and their own compositions.
John Cephas and Phil Wiggins 2/14/03: John Cephas and Phil Wiggins

Washington, DC bluesmen John Cephas and Phil Wiggins offer their unique stylings and interpretations of Ragtime music and Piedmont blues.

John Cephas and Phil Wiggins

Washington, DC bluesmen John Cephas and Phil Wiggins offer their unique stylings and interpretations of Ragtime music and Piedmont blues.

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