Died On This Date (August 29, 1976) Jimmy Reed / Electric Blues Legend
themusicsover Mathis “Jimmy” Reed
September 6, 1925 – August 29, 1976
Jimmy Reed was an influential electric blues guitarist, singer and songwriter during the ’50s and ’60s. Throughout a career that began with him busking in Mississippi, Reed released several hit records, including “Bright Lights Big City,” “Big Boss Man,” and “You Don’t Have To Go.” His songs have been covered by such greats as the Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley and Hank Williams Jr. Unfortunately, Reed’s career quickly to a nosedive due to his heavy alcoholism and bouts with epilepsy. The fact that his label, Vee-Jay Records, was on its last leg didn’t help either. This perhaps kept him from attaining legendary status and world fame like many of his contemporaries. Jimmy Reed was 50 when he passed away on August 29, 1976.
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