On night in 1932, White was in a fight in Harlem and put his right hand
through a plate glass window. Unable to play the guitar from 1934-1939,
he supported his wife, 2 children, his brother and mother-in-law
working odd jobs as a janitor, building superintendent, and elevator
operator. Feeling came back to his damaged hand one night while playing
cards and he found he was able to play the guitar again.