Died On This Date (July 3, 1972) Mississippi Fred McDowell / Blues Icon

Mississippi Fred McDowell
January 12, 1904 – July 3, 1972

Mississippi Fred McDowell was born outside of Memphis and picked up the guitar at the age of 14.   By his early 20s, McDowell was playing dances in and around Memphis, mastering the art of the slide guitar.  In the late ’50s, he was exposed to a larger audience thanks to recordings he made for folklorist, Alan Lomax.  He was a direct influence on Bonnie Raitt, R.L. Burnside, Junior Kimbrough, the Rolling Stones and countless others.  McDowell died of cancer at the age of 67.

What You Should Own

Click to find at amazon.com

Mississippi Fred McDowell

 

Died On This Date (January 17, 1998) Junior Kimbrough / Blues Great

David “Junior” Kimbrough
July 28, 1930 – January 17, 1998

Like Fat Possum label mate, R.L. Burnside, Mississippi bluesman, Junior Kimbrough found a career spike during the twilight of his life. Kimbrough picked up the guitar as a youngster and by the late ’50s, he came into his own as a performer and songwriter.  He made his first recordings in 1966 but all but disappeared during the ’70s and ’80s, resurfacing occasionally to make a record or two.  In the early ’90s, he opened his own juke joint, Junior’s Place.  The Chulahoma, Mississippi venue became a favorite diversion for members of U2 and the Rolling Stones during its heyday.  It wasn’t until 1992, that Kimbrough released his debut album, All Night Long, on Fat Possum.  The record was a critical smash and a hit with young blues and indie-rockers alike.  The Black Keys were such fans that they recorded an entire album, Culahoma, of songs written by Kimbrough.  He released two more albums before he passed away.  Junior Kimbrough suffered a fatal heart attack on January 17, 1998.  He was 67 when he died.

What You Should Own

Click to find at amazon.com

You Better Run: The Essential Junior Kimbrough - Junior Kimbrough