Mississippi Fred McDowell was an American hill country blues singer and guitar player, renowned for his mastery of the slide guitar. Born on January 12, 1906, in Rossville, Tennessee, McDowell eventually moved to Mississippi, where he became one of the principal figures in the North Mississippi style of blues. Unlike the Delta blues, which is characterized by a more fluid and rhythmic approach, hill country blues boasts a more rhythmic and droning style, often with emphasis on a single chord.

McDowell's blues were deeply rooted in the traditional music of his region, often revolving around the themes of hardship and soul-searching. He was not discovered by the wider music world until 1959 when folklorist Alan Lomax recorded him playing "Going Down to the River" in a session that would contribute to McDowell's later fame. Though he had been active as a musician for years before his discovery, it wasn't until the 1960s that his career in music began to take off, with the folk revival in the United States creating a new audience for his work. McDowell's music was characterized by a raw, emotive vocal style and his skillful slide guitar playing. His most well-known song, "You Gotta Move," was later covered by The Rolling Stones, only cementing his influence on the blues and rock genres. Despite his passing on July 3, 1972, McDowell's legacy endures through the continued appreciation of his music, which remains a staple for blues aficionados and musicians inspired by his distinctive sound.

Genres

Acoustic Blues

Blues

Country Blues

Delta Blues

Traditional Blues

Traditional Southern Folk

Related Artists

Muddy Waters

Robert Johnson

John Lee Hooker

Son House

Howlin' Wolf

Skip James

Lightnin' Hopkins

Bukka White

Elmore James

R.L. Burnside

Charley Patton

B.B. King

Latest Release

The Complete Friends of Old Time Music Concert (Live)

Mississippi Fred McDowell

Album - 25 Tracks - Released June 14, 2024