Blues singer and songwriter Mathis James “Jimmy” Reed was born in Dunleith, Mississippi on September 6, 1925 and influenced many rock stars with his easily accessible style of music. His friend Eddie Taylor taught him the guitar and harmonica. He moved to Chicago in 1943, and was drafted into the US Navy and served in World War 2. After discharge in 1945 he returned to Mississippi before getting a job at a meat packing plant in Gary, Indiana. Albert King got him a contract at Vee Jay in Chicago.
A lifelong alcoholic, Jimmy Reed died in Oakland, California on August 29, 1976 of respiratory failure, age 50.
Image: Rock And Roll Paradise

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