Jessie Mae Hemphill (October 18, 1923 – July 22, 2006) was an influential American blues musician known for her prowess in the North Mississippi hill country blues style, a genre distinct from the Delta blues by its rhythm and repetitive, droning chords. Born in Senatobia, Mississippi, Hemphill came from a rich musical lineage, with ancestors including blues musicians Sid Hemphill and Rosa Lee Hill, which undoubtedly helped shape her unique sound and musical direction. Her music was deeply rooted in her heritage, embodying the spirit and rhythms of her ancestors, which she adeptly conveyed through her guitar playing and vocals.

Throughout her career, Jessie Mae Hemphill released a series of recordings that captured the raw, emotive power of her music. Albums such as "She-Wolf," "Feelin' Good," and "Get Right Blues" have cemented her legacy as a pioneering figure in blues music. "Run Get My Shotgun," her posthumously released work, continues to enchant new listeners with its authentic representation of Mississippi blues. Despite facing challenges as a female guitarist and vocalist in a predominantly male genre, Hemphill's contributions to blues music have not gone unnoticed; her work has inspired generations of musicians and earned her awards, including the prestigious W.C. Handy Award. Jessie Mae Hemphill's music remains a testament to the enduring appeal of the blues, rooted in the expression of raw emotion and the storytelling traditions of her Mississippi heritage.

Genres

Country Blues

Delta Blues

Latest Release

Run Get My Shotgun

Jessie Mae Hemphill

Album - 10 Tracks - Released November 15, 2019