Otis “Joe” Maphis
May 12, 1921 – June 27, 1986
Known as the “King of the Strings,” Joe Maphis was arguably one of country music’s most accomplished electric guitarists, or at the very least, one of its most exciting to watch and hear. Maphis began making a name for himself as part of the Bakersfield scene of the ’40s and ’50s. He released several records, the most successful being “Dim Lights, Thick Smoke (and Loud, Loud Music).” Throughout his career, Maphis played with such luminaries as Wanda Jackson, Rick Nelson, and Rose Maddox, and is said to have been an influence on no less than Chet Atkins and Merle Travis. Joe Maphis was 65 when he passed away on June 27, 1986
What You Should Own
