He was believed to have been born in Couchman, Texas.
Blind Lemon Jefferson recorded about 100 tracks between 1925 and 1929 and had 43 records issued, all but one for Paramount Records. He was one of the most popular blues singers of the 1920s. In fact it was largely due to the popularity of artists such as Blind Lemon Jefferson, his contemporary Blind Blake, and Ma Rainey that Paramount became the leading recording company for the blues in the twenties.
He was the author of many tunes covered by later musicains, including the classic "See That My Grave is Kept Clean".
Jefferson was an important influence on the next generation of blues singers and guitarists, including Leadbelly.
Jefferson died in Chicago, Illinois.