Atlanta, in the period 1920-1940, rivaled Memphis, St. Louis, Jackson and Chicago in the strength and vitality of its blues scene. It was home to a unique school of 12-string guitarists that included Blind Willie McTell,BarbecueBob, Charlie Lincoln, Willie Baker and George Carter.

Also on hand were the slick slide guitarist Fred McMullen, the accompaniment king, Curley Weaver and the spectacular up-and-comer, Buddy Moss. The scene wasrounded outby an earlier generation of players, Peg Leg...