Jimmy Reed was a classic Blues guitar / harp performer, with a barebones but powerful delivery, who made a string of hits in the 1950s. Many of his songs have become part of the standard blues repertoire.
Jimmy Reed was born in Dunleith, Mississippi in 1925, and learned the harmonica and guitar from Eddie Taylor. Before and after the second world war, he performed in bars and clubs, working day jobs to make ends meet, and gradually establishing a reputation as a leading blues musician.
Reed's friend Albert King helped him sign on with Vee-Jay records, who issued "You Don't Have To Go", his first big hit. This was followed by a long series of hit records in the 1950s and early 1960s, including "Ain't That Lovin' You Baby", "Honest I Do", "Baby What You Want Me To Do" and "Bright Lights, Big City".
In later years his career was handicapped by a combination of alcoholism and epilepsy. Jimmy Reed died in 1976, aged 50.
Jimmy Reed was one of the most influential of all blues musicians. His strong, simple compositions were covered by many artists including Elvis Presley, Charlie Rich, Lou Rawls, and the Rolling Stones.
Honest I Do (1957)
You've Got Me Dizzy
LinksBluesharp on Jimmy Reed
|