Blind Willie McTell was an influential American blues musician and songwriter, active mainly in the 1920s and 1930s. Known for his unique fingerpicking style and 12-string guitar playing, he helped shape the Piedmont blues sound. Despite being blind from birth, he had a strong musical talent and a distinctive, expressive voice. McTell recorded under several names and remained relatively unknown during his lifetime, but his work gained greater recognition after his death and has influenced many later artists.