Jimmy Reed

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Chicago, United States (1953 – 1976)

Mathis James “Jimmy” Reed (September 6, 1925 - August 29, 1976) was an American blues singer. His lazy, slack-jawed singing, piercing harmonica and hypnotic guitar patterns were one of the blues most easily identifiable sounds in the 1950s and 1960s.

Jimmy Reed was born on September 6, 1925, in Dunleith, Mississippi. He was a blues singer and songwriter who played the guitar and harmonica. When he sang, he would slur his words. He produced a series of hits in the 50’s that made him the most successful blues singer of the era. Reed sang in church and played the guitar with his friend Eddie Taylor. He left school in 1939 in search of work. He found a job farming around Duncan and Meltonia, Mississippi.Jackie Myers, SHS

However, between 1943 and 1944 he left the south to head to Chicago to find a job because there were more job opportunities available there due to the war. He was drafted into U.S. Navy while there. In 1945 he was discharged and returned home to Mississippi briefly before once more traveling to the Chicago area. While working in the steel mills, Reed spent his leisure time with a friend named Willie Joe Duncan, who played the one-string guitar, or Diddley-bow. He also re-established contact with Eddie Taylor, who had moved north to try his luck. The two played together; Reed on guitar, harp, and vocals, and Taylor on guitar.
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  • guischolz

    really nice

    September 2011

  • Druid66

    He could strum and blow harp, like Muddy and Little Walter in one person, WOW.

    July 2011

  • lovebeatloko

    Goin' to New York, get on the New York quiz show.....Love!

    May 2011

  • bernarducs

    ~you know youre looking good~ when I hear his music, strongly sensual beat, only comes to mind female bodies dancing. WOOAAAA

    January 2011

  • oddskies

    ain't no one better

    January 2011

  • staytooned

    Going Up Going Down!

    August 2010

  • Vovan95

    класнго! великолепная игра на гармонике. просто шикарен

    May 2010

  • TaticoQuiroga

    great! excelent music!

    March 2010
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