Mississippi John Hurt’s soft and articulate blues is always reliable for pleasant listening. His finger-picking style seems effortless, delivered in his typically relaxed manner. His music has a plain spoken nature, which I think truly represents Mississippi John as he lived mostly in obscurity. His success came late in life, as his music feels as if he is playing his music for himself, a pure musician.
Around 40 years ago, my pals Peggy and Charlie started me listening to Mississippi John. Thus, I never saw him perform live. I never grow tired of his unique sound, especially my favorites “Candy Man” and his immortal version of “Stagolee”–That Bad Man.
Mississippi John and Son House, Photo by Dick Waterman. Click on the image to view his photo blog.
In contrast, John Hurt as a blues singer presents the most gentle and genial image in his music and photographs of him. Dick Waterman, who is also featured in Mississippians, has taken marvelous photos of John.
For me, John Hurt is a Blues Buddha.
If you had the pleasure of seeing John perform, please share with us when and where and any special memory about his music. If like me, all you have is listening to his recordings, please relay your favorites.
In honor of John, we have an original Kruse portrait of this music saint. It’s our association with his presence in our reading & music space.
Cruze art is available for sale at the fine Cat Head store in Clarksdale.
Click here to see all of “Lemuria Reads Mississippians.”
Mississippians is available now! Purchase a copy online or call the bookstore 601/800.366.7619.
xxxx
Comments are closed.