If you love Mississippi blues guitar playing then you’ll love Mississippi John Hurt. I myself like the blues/folk but he was the one who made me fall in love with it.

It is the type of music that will immediately have your feet a tapping, that’s what happened to me first time that I heard him. The man’s playing makes you feel good, plain and simple. Every aspect from lyrics to music is so up beat, it’s quite infectious.

He was born July 2nd, 1894 in Teoc, Mississippi, eighth of ten children born to Paul Hurt and Mae Jane Smith. He grew up in Avolan Mississippi and started to play guitar at the tender age of 9. He performed at many social events while still working on a there during the 1920’s.

He played with the likes of legendary Blues musician, Willie Narmour who helped draw the attention of Okeh Records (which was purchased by Columbia Records) to his distinct playing style.

John Hurt was a major influence to my favorite musician of all time Mr Bruce Cockburn. The guy is turning into my hero as well. If he’s good enough for Bruce then he’s good enough for me!

While being introduced to me for the first time, his music is just crisp and pure as snow. His own unique style transfers you back to a time that seems quite foreign to us today. I put him right up there with Billy Holiday, who is my favorite jazz singer of all time.

I honestly believe that being exposed to this style is very good to your musical soul!

Keep on Jammin’