Jimmy Blythe, born James Louis Blythe on May 20, 1901, in South Keene, Kentucky, was an influential American jazz and boogie-woogie pianist and composer. He moved to Chicago around 1915, where he became a prominent figure in the jazz scene, working with major record labels such as Paramount, Vocalion, and Gennett. Blythe was a prolific musician, known for his versatility and his contributions to the development of the boogie-woogie style. His piece "Chicago Stomp," recorded in 1924, is considered one of the first boogie-woogie recordings.

Blythe was greatly influenced by his piano teacher, Clarence M. Jones, and he went on to accompany notable artists like Ma Rainey and Blind Blake. He also produced numerous piano rolls for the Capitol Music Roll Company and led various recording sessions with musicians like Jimmy Bertrand and Johnny Dodds. Blythe recorded under different pseudonyms, including Duke Owens and George Jefferson, and was involved in several studio groups such as Blythe's Sinful Five and Blythe's Washboard Band.

Tragically, Jimmy Blythe's life was cut short when he died of epidemic meningitis on June 14, 1931, at the age of 30. Despite his brief career, his influence on jazz and boogie-woogie music remains significant.