Mississippi John Hurt
Mississippi John Hurt was a renowned American country blues singer and guitarist who experienced a career revival in the 1960s.
Guitarist
March 8, 1892
November 02, 1966
74
Born John Smith Hurt on July 3, 1893, in Teoc, Mississippi, Mississippi John Hurt was a celebrated American country blues singer and guitarist. He initially gained recognition in the late 1920s with his recordings, but his career truly took off during the American folk music revival in the early 1960s. Hurt’s intricate fingerpicking style, warm vocals, and impressive guitar skills captivated audiences. Some of his most famous works include “Frankie,” “Candy Man Blues,” and “Richland Women Blues.” In 2004, he was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame.
Throughout his life, Hurt faced financial challenges but continued to perform until his death on November 2, 1966, in Grenada, Mississippi. He left a lasting impact on American music. Besides his musical accomplishments, Hurt was also a talented farmer. He worked on his 120-acre farm in Mississippi, raising livestock and cultivating fruits and vegetables. His farm became a popular gathering place for local musicians who would come to play and socialize, demonstrating his strong connection to his farming roots and the land that supported him.
Some other notable works by Mississippi John Hurt include “Stack O’Lee Blues,” “Avalon Blues,” and “See See Rider.” His influence on the blues genre and his contributions to American music continue to be felt today.