The name Blind Joe Death will always be linked to the American primitive guitarist John Fahey. Blind Joe Death's real name is unknown and is only remembered today as the alter-ego of the young John Fahey, who so completely hijacked the name that Blind Joe Death faded into the realm of myth.

What is known about this obscure but influential blues guitarist is that he recorded only one 78rpm record, John Henry, in 1927 on the Paramount label. The only remaining copy of this recording is included on the 2006 John Fahey Tribute Album on Takoma Records. It is believed that the record only sold a few copies, or perhaps it was never commercially released, as it is not listed in some catalogues of Paramount titles. The artist died shortly after making this, his only known recording. He was thought to have influenced Charlie Patton and other blues guitarists on the label who recorded later. The original 78 record was in Fahey's collection and it is rumoured that he lifted his early playing style from the Blind Joe Death recording.