Tag: Mississippi Fred McDowell

Mississippi Fred McDowell

Don’t let his stage name fool you, because Fred was not a typical delta blues singer. His style was more related to the hill country region in northern Mississippi, where he was born and raised. Fred played slide guitar, using a bottle or a knife to produce amazing sounds from the instrument. His voice was strong and full of emotion, and his songs told stories about life, love and religion.

“Mississippi” Fred McDowell was born and grew up in Rossville, Tennessee (pop. 291), a small farming community just east of Memphis and just north of the Mississippi border. The “Mississippi” designation came later in life, after he moved down to Como, Mississippi (pop. 1,391), about 40 miles south of Memphis on the 51 Highway, in his late thirties. McDowell was born about 1904 or 1905, and worked most of his life as a farm laborer, mill worker, and tractor driver.

Fred started playing guitar when he was 14 years old, but for many years he was only a local entertainer, performing at parties and picnics. It was not until 1959 that he was discovered by the famous folklorist Alan Lomax, who recorded him at his home on a farm north of Como. Those recordings started Fred’s career as a professional musician, who began to record for various labels and travel around the country and the world. In the 1960s, Fred became one of the stars of the blues revival and had many fans and admirers, among them The Rolling Stones, who recorded his song “You Gotta Move” on their album Sticky Fingers.

He played music at country dances and juke joints, though as he says, “I wasn’t making money from music… sometimes they’d pay me, and sometimes they wouldn’t.”

McDowell continued to perform blues in the north Mississippi style much as he had for decades, sometimes on electric guitar rather than an acoustic guitar. He was particularly renowned for his mastery of slide guitar, a style he said he first learned using a pocketknife for a slide and later a polished beef rib bone. He ultimately settled on the clearer sound he got from a glass slide, which he wore on his ring finger.

Fred never abandoned his roots and always remained faithful to his style of playing. He died in 1972 from stomach cancer, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy and an influence on the whole blues scene.

We appreciate your time and dedication to reading our article. For more of the finest blues guitar music, make sure to follow our Facebook page, “I Love Blues Guitar”. We share exceptional selections every day. Thank you once again for your continued support and readership.

Mississippi Fred McDowell

“Mississippi” Fred McDowell was born and grew up in Rossville, Tennessee (pop. 291), a small farming community just east of Memphis and just north of the Mississippi border. The “Mississippi” designation came later in life, after he moved down to Como, Mississippi (pop. 1,391), about 40 miles south of Memphis on the 51 Highway, in his late thirties. McDowell was born about 1904 or 1905, and worked most of his life as a farm laborer, mill worker, and tractor driver. He played music at country dances and juke joints, though as he says, “I wasn’t making money from music… sometimes they’d pay me, and sometimes they wouldn’t.”

source: http://privatewww.essex.ac.uk/~patrickp/aavesem/texts/FredMcDowellBio.html

McDowell continued to perform blues in the north Mississippi style much as he had for decades, sometimes on electric guitar rather than an acoustic guitar. He was particularly renowned for his mastery of slide guitar, a style he said he first learned using a pocketknife for a slide and later a polished beef rib bone. He ultimately settled on the clearer sound he got from a glass slide, which he wore on his ring finger

Blues is a musical genre known as the folklore of African-American musicians. Its origins are associated with the southern states of the USA, that is the region conventionally called the “deep south”. The very name of the genre (sadness, despair) is related to its nostalgic form, also in the textual layer. Blues pieces touch male-female relationships as well as feelings and emotions (love, loneliness, faithfulness, jealousy). However, blues performers often sing about freedom, work and travel. The songs also feature social criticism relating mainly to racial inequality and political issues.

Many artists are inspired by blues music and combine it with other styles. In this way, such musical mergers as punk blues, soul-blues or blues-rock. The popularity of this genre in the USA has led to the emergence of regional varieties, such as Louisiana, New Orleans, Texas and Detroit blues. There are also factions characteristic of other countries – British blues and African blues.

Our quality blues t-shirts are perfect for your next music festival, concert or jam, and make great gifts.

Mississippi Fred McDowell

“Mississippi” Fred McDowell was born and grew up in Rossville, Tennessee (pop. 291), a small farming community just east of Memphis and just north of the Mississippi border. The “Mississippi” designation came later in life, after he moved down to Como, Mississippi (pop. 1,391), about 40 miles south of Memphis on the 51 Highway, in his late thirties. McDowell was born about 1904 or 1905, and worked most of his life as a farm laborer, mill worker, and tractor driver. He played music at country dances and juke joints, though as he says, “I wasn’t making money from music… sometimes they’d pay me, and sometimes they wouldn’t.”

source: http://privatewww.essex.ac.uk/~patrickp/aavesem/texts/FredMcDowellBio.html

McDowell continued to perform blues in the north Mississippi style much as he had for decades, sometimes on electric guitar rather than an acoustic guitar. He was particularly renowned for his mastery of slide guitar, a style he said he first learned using a pocketknife for a slide and later a polished beef rib bone. He ultimately settled on the clearer sound he got from a glass slide, which he wore on his ring finger

Blues is a musical genre known as the folklore of African-American musicians. Its origins are associated with the southern states of the USA, that is the region conventionally called the “deep south”. The very name of the genre (sadness, despair) is related to its nostalgic form, also in the textual layer. Blues pieces touch male-female relationships as well as feelings and emotions (love, loneliness, faithfulness, jealousy). However, blues performers often sing about freedom, work and travel. The songs also feature social criticism relating mainly to racial inequality and political issues.

Many artists are inspired by blues music and combine it with other styles. In this way, such musical mergers as punk blues, soul-blues or blues-rock. The popularity of this genre in the USA has led to the emergence of regional varieties, such as Louisiana, New Orleans, Texas and Detroit blues. There are also factions characteristic of other countries – British blues and African blues.

Our quality blues t-shirts are perfect for your next music festival, concert or jam, and make great gifts.

Mississippi Fred McDowell

“Mississippi” Fred McDowell was born and grew up in Rossville, Tennessee (pop. 291), a small farming community just east of Memphis and just north of the Mississippi border. The “Mississippi” designation came later in life, after he moved down to Como, Mississippi (pop. 1,391), about 40 miles south of Memphis on the 51 Highway, in his late thirties. McDowell was born about 1904 or 1905, and worked most of his life as a farm laborer, mill worker, and tractor driver. He played music at country dances and juke joints, though as he says, “I wasn’t making money from music… sometimes they’d pay me, and sometimes they wouldn’t.”

source: http://privatewww.essex.ac.uk/~patrickp/aavesem/texts/FredMcDowellBio.html

McDowell continued to perform blues in the north Mississippi style much as he had for decades, sometimes on electric guitar rather than an acoustic guitar. He was particularly renowned for his mastery of slide guitar, a style he said he first learned using a pocketknife for a slide and later a polished beef rib bone. He ultimately settled on the clearer sound he got from a glass slide, which he wore on his ring finger

Blues is a musical genre known as the folklore of African-American musicians. Its origins are associated with the southern states of the USA, that is the region conventionally called the “deep south”. The very name of the genre (sadness, despair) is related to its nostalgic form, also in the textual layer. Blues pieces touch male-female relationships as well as feelings and emotions (love, loneliness, faithfulness, jealousy). However, blues performers often sing about freedom, work and travel. The songs also feature social criticism relating mainly to racial inequality and political issues.

Many artists are inspired by blues music and combine it with other styles. In this way, such musical mergers as punk blues, soul-blues or blues-rock. The popularity of this genre in the USA has led to the emergence of regional varieties, such as Louisiana, New Orleans, Texas and Detroit blues. There are also factions characteristic of other countries – British blues and African blues.

Our quality blues t-shirts are perfect for your next music festival, concert or jam, and make great gifts.

Mississippi Fred McDowell

Fred McDowell was birthed in Rossville, Tennessee in 1904. He was orphaned kids, as well as got his initial guitar at age fourteen.

Fred invested the majority of his life working with farms and also in feed factories. In what time he had actually left, Fred bet ideas at neighborhood barbecues as well as dancings.

At some point he cleared up southern of Memphis in Como, Mississippi.

Taking to the Road

I merely play the straight all-natural blues. The only method you could rock Fred is if you placed him in a shaking chair, or you acquired ta lay me down, you comprehend.– Fred McDowell

When Fred was fifty-five years aged, Alan Lomax taped Fred’s virtuoso nation blues design for his popular 1959 collection of industry recordings. Lomax advised Fred to take his act upon the roadway to play the nationwide professional circuit. Instantly Fred discovered himself playing throughout the nation, enticing the focus of audiences, fellow artists, and also document tags.

Fred tape-recorded his initial cd, Delta Blues, at age 60. He occupied an electrical Gibson “Trini Lopez” to change his resonator acoustic, however informed audiences sternly: “I do not play no rock-and-roll.” He also made that the title of his initial electrical cd, taped in 1969: I Do Not Play No Rock ‘N’ Roll.

Playing Style

It’s this slide guitar job that Fred’s ideal kept in mind for. In his journeys Fred also trained Bonnie Raitt– now a master herself– on her slide strategy.

Fred began by having fun with an item of bone tissue also, or with a penknife– however ultimately he changed to a smoother-sounding obstruction as well as relocated the slide to his ring finger so he can worry with his initial 2 fingers.

Fred likewise had a behavior of dropping in the center of a verse line to allow the guitar complete his ideas. He preferred to allow the songs promote him.

One of the quite unique points concerning Fred’s design of blues is its droning high quality. Fred does not utilize exactly what we assume of as blues consistency; in reality he usually does not play chord adjustments at all, also when the tune suggests them.

“I make the guitar state just what I claim.”– Mississippi Fred McDowell

Fred played an older design of blues guitar he gained from his uncle, that Fred keeps in mind playing slide guitar with a ground-down meat bone tissue.

To offset the absence of harmonic modifications, Fred showed a rowdy fingerpicking design, loaded with relocating components: innovative hand muting, thumping bass lines, and also ariose slide runs all collaborating. He used a thumb choice as well as a banjo-style badger his forefinger as well as made deft usage of both. As soon as, at times Fred appears like a banjo knocking as well as a harmonica roaring all at.

Just what the Blues Are For

Fred really felt that the blues were everything about utilizing songs to make problems off your mind.

“That’s the means the blues are, when you obtain off to on your own, rest down, play you 2 or 3 items, your mind is worked out.– Mississippi Fred McDowell

Fred’s Final Blues

Fred passed away of cancer cells in 1972. By after that he should left farm job behind to play songs full time. He should viewed the United States and also visited Europe, as well as individuals almost everywhere had actually identified and also valued the guy’s abilities.

In 1993, Bonnie Raitt spent for a remembrance rock with Fred’s picture to be put at his tomb. The brand-new remembrance changed the aged broken tomb pen, which was misspelled to start with and also had actually given that ended up being ruined.

Along with blues requirements, Fred created a few of his very own that’ve outlasted him. “You Got to Move” was videotaped by the Rolling Stones, Sam Cooke, as well as Aerosmith.

Like Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Fred obtained his last relaxing area updated by his admirers.
Fred allowed his guitar promote him, and also folks cared sufficient concerning exactly what he stated that they’ve maintained his name as well as his songs active. What much more could any person request for?

Fred videotaped his initial cd, Delta Blues, at age 60. Fred does not utilize just what we assume of as blues consistency; in reality he usually does not play chord modifications at all, also when the tune indicates them.

When Fred was fifty-five years aged, Alan Lomax tape-recorded Fred’s virtuoso nation blues design for his well-known 1959 collection of industry recordings. Lomax prompted Fred to take his act on the roadway to play the nationwide professional circuit. All of a sudden Fred discovered himself playing all over the nation, enticing the interest of audiences, fellow artists, and also document tags.

Mississippi Fred McDowell

Don’t let his stage name fool you, because Fred was not a typical delta blues singer. His style was more related to the hill country region in northern Mississippi, where he was born and raised. Fred played slide guitar, using a bottle or a knife to produce amazing sounds from the instrument. His voice was strong and full of emotion, and his songs told stories about life, love and religion.

“Mississippi” Fred McDowell was born and grew up in Rossville, Tennessee (pop. 291), a small farming community just east of Memphis and just north of the Mississippi border. The “Mississippi” designation came later in life, after he moved down to Como, Mississippi (pop. 1,391), about 40 miles south of Memphis on the 51 Highway, in his late thirties. McDowell was born about 1904 or 1905, and worked most of his life as a farm laborer, mill worker, and tractor driver.

Fred started playing guitar when he was 14 years old, but for many years he was only a local entertainer, performing at parties and picnics. It was not until 1959 that he was discovered by the famous folklorist Alan Lomax, who recorded him at his home on a farm north of Como. Those recordings started Fred’s career as a professional musician, who began to record for various labels and travel around the country and the world. In the 1960s, Fred became one of the stars of the blues revival and had many fans and admirers, among them The Rolling Stones, who recorded his song “You Gotta Move” on their album Sticky Fingers.

He played music at country dances and juke joints, though as he says, “I wasn’t making money from music… sometimes they’d pay me, and sometimes they wouldn’t.”

McDowell continued to perform blues in the north Mississippi style much as he had for decades, sometimes on electric guitar rather than an acoustic guitar. He was particularly renowned for his mastery of slide guitar, a style he said he first learned using a pocketknife for a slide and later a polished beef rib bone. He ultimately settled on the clearer sound he got from a glass slide, which he wore on his ring finger.

Fred never abandoned his roots and always remained faithful to his style of playing. He died in 1972 from stomach cancer, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy and an influence on the whole blues scene.

We appreciate your time and dedication to reading our article. For more of the finest blues guitar music, make sure to follow our Facebook page, “I Love Blues Guitar”. We share exceptional selections every day. Thank you once again for your continued support and readership.

Mississippi Fred McDowell

“Mississippi” Fred McDowell was born and grew up in Rossville, Tennessee (pop. 291), a small farming community just east of Memphis and just north of the Mississippi border. The “Mississippi” designation came later in life, after he moved down to Como, Mississippi (pop. 1,391), about 40 miles south of Memphis on the 51 Highway, in his late thirties. McDowell was born about 1904 or 1905, and worked most of his life as a farm laborer, mill worker, and tractor driver. He played music at country dances and juke joints, though as he says, “I wasn’t making money from music… sometimes they’d pay me, and sometimes they wouldn’t.”

source: http://privatewww.essex.ac.uk/~patrickp/aavesem/texts/FredMcDowellBio.html

McDowell continued to perform blues in the north Mississippi style much as he had for decades, sometimes on electric guitar rather than an acoustic guitar. He was particularly renowned for his mastery of slide guitar, a style he said he first learned using a pocketknife for a slide and later a polished beef rib bone. He ultimately settled on the clearer sound he got from a glass slide, which he wore on his ring finger

Blues is a musical genre known as the folklore of African-American musicians. Its origins are associated with the southern states of the USA, that is the region conventionally called the “deep south”. The very name of the genre (sadness, despair) is related to its nostalgic form, also in the textual layer. Blues pieces touch male-female relationships as well as feelings and emotions (love, loneliness, faithfulness, jealousy). However, blues performers often sing about freedom, work and travel. The songs also feature social criticism relating mainly to racial inequality and political issues.

Many artists are inspired by blues music and combine it with other styles. In this way, such musical mergers as punk blues, soul-blues or blues-rock. The popularity of this genre in the USA has led to the emergence of regional varieties, such as Louisiana, New Orleans, Texas and Detroit blues. There are also factions characteristic of other countries – British blues and African blues.

Our quality blues t-shirts are perfect for your next music festival, concert or jam, and make great gifts.

Mississippi Fred McDowell

“Mississippi” Fred McDowell was born and grew up in Rossville, Tennessee (pop. 291), a small farming community just east of Memphis and just north of the Mississippi border. The “Mississippi” designation came later in life, after he moved down to Como, Mississippi (pop. 1,391), about 40 miles south of Memphis on the 51 Highway, in his late thirties. McDowell was born about 1904 or 1905, and worked most of his life as a farm laborer, mill worker, and tractor driver. He played music at country dances and juke joints, though as he says, “I wasn’t making money from music… sometimes they’d pay me, and sometimes they wouldn’t.”

source: http://privatewww.essex.ac.uk/~patrickp/aavesem/texts/FredMcDowellBio.html

McDowell continued to perform blues in the north Mississippi style much as he had for decades, sometimes on electric guitar rather than an acoustic guitar. He was particularly renowned for his mastery of slide guitar, a style he said he first learned using a pocketknife for a slide and later a polished beef rib bone. He ultimately settled on the clearer sound he got from a glass slide, which he wore on his ring finger

Blues is a musical genre known as the folklore of African-American musicians. Its origins are associated with the southern states of the USA, that is the region conventionally called the “deep south”. The very name of the genre (sadness, despair) is related to its nostalgic form, also in the textual layer. Blues pieces touch male-female relationships as well as feelings and emotions (love, loneliness, faithfulness, jealousy). However, blues performers often sing about freedom, work and travel. The songs also feature social criticism relating mainly to racial inequality and political issues.

Many artists are inspired by blues music and combine it with other styles. In this way, such musical mergers as punk blues, soul-blues or blues-rock. The popularity of this genre in the USA has led to the emergence of regional varieties, such as Louisiana, New Orleans, Texas and Detroit blues. There are also factions characteristic of other countries – British blues and African blues.

Our quality blues t-shirts are perfect for your next music festival, concert or jam, and make great gifts.

Mississippi Fred McDowell

“Mississippi” Fred McDowell was born and grew up in Rossville, Tennessee (pop. 291), a small farming community just east of Memphis and just north of the Mississippi border. The “Mississippi” designation came later in life, after he moved down to Como, Mississippi (pop. 1,391), about 40 miles south of Memphis on the 51 Highway, in his late thirties. McDowell was born about 1904 or 1905, and worked most of his life as a farm laborer, mill worker, and tractor driver. He played music at country dances and juke joints, though as he says, “I wasn’t making money from music… sometimes they’d pay me, and sometimes they wouldn’t.”

source: http://privatewww.essex.ac.uk/~patrickp/aavesem/texts/FredMcDowellBio.html

McDowell continued to perform blues in the north Mississippi style much as he had for decades, sometimes on electric guitar rather than acoustic guitar. He was particularly renowned for his mastery of slide guitar, a style he said he first learned using a pocketknife for a slide and later a polished beef rib bone. He ultimately settled on the clearer sound he got from a glass slide, which he wore on his ring finger

Blues is a musical genre known as the folklore of African-American musicians. Its origins are associated with the southern states of the USA, that is the region conventionally called the “deep south”. The very name of the genre (sadness, despair) is related to its nostalgic form, also in the textual layer. Blues pieces touch male-female relationships as well as feelings and emotions (love, loneliness, faithfulness, jealousy). However, blues performers often sing about freedom, work and travel. The songs also feature social criticism relating mainly to racial inequality and political issues.

Many artists are inspired by blues music and combine it with other styles. In this way, such musical mergers as punk blues, soul-blues or blues-rock. The popularity of this genre in the USA has led to the emergence of regional varieties, such as Louisiana, New Orleans, Texas and Detroit blues. There are also factions characteristic of other countries – British blues and African blues.

Our quality blues t-shirts are perfect for your next music festival, concert or jam, and make great gifts.

Mississippi Fred McDowell

Fred McDowell was birthed in Rossville, Tennessee in 1904. He was orphaned kids, as well as got his initial guitar at age fourteen.

Fred invested the majority of his life working with farms and also in feed factories. In what time he had actually left, Fred bet ideas at neighborhood barbecues as well as dancings.

At some point he cleared up southern of Memphis in Como, Mississippi.

Taking to the Road

I merely play the straight all-natural blues. The only method you could rock Fred is if you placed him in a shaking chair, or you acquired ta lay me down, you comprehend.– Fred McDowell

When Fred was fifty-five years aged, Alan Lomax taped Fred’s virtuoso nation blues design for his popular 1959 collection of industry recordings. Lomax advised Fred to take his act upon the roadway to play the nationwide professional circuit. Instantly Fred discovered himself playing throughout the nation, enticing the focus of audiences, fellow artists, and also document tags.

Fred tape-recorded his initial cd, Delta Blues, at age 60. He occupied an electrical Gibson “Trini Lopez” to change his resonator acoustic, however informed audiences sternly: “I do not play no rock-and-roll.” He also made that the title of his initial electrical cd, taped in 1969: I Do Not Play No Rock ‘N’ Roll.

Playing Style

It’s this slide guitar job that Fred’s ideal kept in mind for. In his journeys Fred also trained Bonnie Raitt– now a master herself– on her slide strategy.

Fred began by having fun with an item of bone tissue also, or with a penknife– however ultimately he changed to a smoother-sounding obstruction as well as relocated the slide to his ring finger so he can worry with his initial 2 fingers.

Fred likewise had a behavior of dropping in the center of a verse line to allow the guitar complete his ideas. He preferred to allow the songs promote him.

One of the quite unique points concerning Fred’s design of blues is its droning high quality. Fred does not utilize exactly what we assume of as blues consistency; in reality he usually does not play chord adjustments at all, also when the tune suggests them.

“I make the guitar state just what I claim.”– Mississippi Fred McDowell

Fred played an older design of blues guitar he gained from his uncle, that Fred keeps in mind playing slide guitar with a ground-down meat bone tissue.

To offset the absence of harmonic modifications, Fred showed a rowdy fingerpicking design, loaded with relocating components: innovative hand muting, thumping bass lines, and also ariose slide runs all collaborating. He used a thumb choice as well as a banjo-style badger his forefinger as well as made deft usage of both. As soon as, at times Fred appears like a banjo knocking as well as a harmonica roaring all at.

Just what the Blues Are For

Fred really felt that the blues were everything about utilizing songs to make problems off your mind.

“That’s the means the blues are, when you obtain off to on your own, rest down, play you 2 or 3 items, your mind is worked out.– Mississippi Fred McDowell

Fred’s Final Blues

Fred passed away of cancer cells in 1972. By after that he should left farm job behind to play songs full time. He should viewed the United States and also visited Europe, as well as individuals almost everywhere had actually identified and also valued the guy’s abilities.

In 1993, Bonnie Raitt spent for a remembrance rock with Fred’s picture to be put at his tomb. The brand-new remembrance changed the aged broken tomb pen, which was misspelled to start with and also had actually given that ended up being ruined.

Along with blues requirements, Fred created a few of his very own that’ve outlasted him. “You Got to Move” was videotaped by the Rolling Stones, Sam Cooke, as well as Aerosmith.

Like Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Fred obtained his last relaxing area updated by his admirers.
Fred allowed his guitar promote him, and also folks cared sufficient concerning exactly what he stated that they’ve maintained his name as well as his songs active. What much more could any person request for?

Fred videotaped his initial cd, Delta Blues, at age 60. Fred does not utilize just what we assume of as blues consistency; in reality he usually does not play chord modifications at all, also when the tune indicates them.

When Fred was fifty-five years aged, Alan Lomax tape-recorded Fred’s virtuoso nation blues design for his well-known 1959 collection of industry recordings. Lomax prompted Fred to take his act on the roadway to play the nationwide professional circuit. All of a sudden Fred discovered himself playing all over the nation, enticing the interest of audiences, fellow artists, and also document tags.