Mississippi Fred McDowell

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Mississippi Fred McDowell

Fred McDowell, known as Mississippi Fred McDowell, was born on January 12, 1904, in Rossville, Tennessee. He became a significant figure in the hill country blues genre, known for his distinctive slide guitar technique. McDowell's early life was marked by the loss of his parents and a move to Memphis in 1926, where he worked in a feed mill. By 1928, he relocated to Mississippi to pick cotton and eventually settled in Como around 1940, working as a farmer while playing music locally.

McDowell's music career took a significant turn in 1959 when he was recorded by folklorist Alan Lomax. This exposure led to his recognition during the blues revival of the late 1950s and 1960s. He began performing at festivals and clubs worldwide, sharing stages with other prominent blues artists. His slide guitar style, initially developed using a pocketknife and later a glass bottleneck, became highly influential. He famously stated, "I do not play no rock and roll," yet he influenced and collaborated with rock musicians like Bonnie Raitt and the Rolling Stones.

McDowell's discography includes notable albums such as "I Do Not Play No Rock 'n' Roll" (1969), his first with electric guitar, and live recordings like "Live at the Mayfair Hotel" and "Live in New York." His contributions to music continued to resonate, influencing artists like R. L. Burnside and the North Mississippi Allstars. Fred McDowell passed away from cancer on July 3, 1972, in Memphis, Tennessee, leaving a lasting legacy in the blues genre.