**Mississippi John Hurt**
**Definition:**
Mississippi John Hurt (July 8, 1892 – November 2, 1966) was an American country blues singer, guitarist, and songwriter known for his gentle voice, intricate fingerpicking guitar style, and influential contributions to the Delta blues tradition. His music, characterized by a blend of blues, folk, and ragtime, gained renewed popularity during the American folk music revival of the 1960s.
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# Mississippi John Hurt
## Early Life and Background
John Smith Hurt was born on July 8, 1892, in Teoc, Carroll County, Mississippi, a small rural community in the Mississippi Delta region. Raised in a poor African American family, Hurt grew up in an environment steeped in the musical traditions of the South. From an early age, he was exposed to a variety of musical styles, including blues, gospel, and folk, which would later influence his unique sound.
Hurt learned to play the guitar as a child, developing a distinctive fingerpicking style that combined rhythmic bass patterns with melodic treble lines. This technique, often described as „thumb and two fingers,” became a hallmark of his playing and set him apart from many of his contemporaries.
## Musical Career
### Early Recordings
In 1928, Hurt traveled to Memphis, Tennessee, to record for Okeh Records during the first wave of commercial blues recordings. Over two days, he recorded a series of songs, including „Frankie,” „Stack O’ Lee,” and „Candy Man,” which showcased his gentle vocal delivery and intricate guitar work. Despite the quality of these recordings, Hurt’s records sold poorly, and he returned to his life as a sharecropper in Mississippi.
### Life Away from Music
Following his brief recording stint, Hurt lived a relatively quiet life, working primarily as a farmer and part-time musician. He performed locally at dances and social gatherings but did not pursue a professional music career. For many years, he remained largely unknown outside his immediate community.
### Rediscovery and the Folk Revival
In the early 1960s, during the American folk music revival, Hurt’s music was rediscovered by a group of young enthusiasts who found his 1928 recordings. In 1963, two fans, Tom Hoskins and Richard Spotswood, located Hurt living in Avalon, Mississippi. They persuaded him to move to Washington, D.C., where he began performing at folk festivals, coffeehouses, and concert venues.
This rediscovery brought Hurt national attention and introduced his music to a new generation of listeners. His gentle voice, warm personality, and masterful guitar playing made him a beloved figure in the folk and blues communities.
## Musical Style and Influence
Mississippi John Hurt’s music is characterized by a relaxed, melodic approach to the blues, blending elements of country blues, folk, and ragtime. His fingerpicking guitar style is noted for its syncopated rhythms and alternating bass patterns, which create a rich, full sound despite being performed solo.
Unlike many Delta blues musicians who emphasized raw emotion and intensity, Hurt’s performances were marked by a calm, soothing quality. His lyrics often told stories of everyday life, love, and hardship, delivered with a gentle humor and warmth.
Hurt’s influence extends beyond the blues genre, impacting folk, country, and even rock musicians. Artists such as Bob Dylan, Taj Mahal, and Doc Watson have cited him as an inspiration, and his songs have been covered and adapted by numerous performers.
## Notable Songs
– **”Candy Man”** – A playful, rhythmic tune that became one of Hurt’s signature songs, showcasing his fingerpicking style and storytelling ability.
– **”Stack O’ Lee”** – A traditional folk ballad about the legendary figure Stagger Lee, interpreted with Hurt’s distinctive gentle delivery.
– **”Frankie”** – A narrative song that blends blues and folk elements, highlighting Hurt’s melodic sensibility.
– **”Spike Driver Blues”** – A song that reflects the hardships of railroad workers, delivered with a steady, rhythmic guitar accompaniment.
## Later Years and Death
After his rediscovery, Hurt toured extensively, performing at major folk festivals such as the Newport Folk Festival and appearing on television programs. He recorded several albums during this period, including „Today!” (1966), which captured his live performances and studio work.
Despite his late-life success, Hurt’s health declined, and he passed away on November 2, 1966, in Grenada, Mississippi. He was buried in Teoc Cemetery, near his birthplace.
## Legacy
Mississippi John Hurt’s legacy is that of a gentle blues pioneer whose music bridged the gap between traditional Delta blues and the broader American folk music tradition. His fingerpicking guitar style remains influential among guitarists, and his songs continue to be celebrated for their lyrical storytelling and melodic beauty.
Hurt’s life story—from obscurity to rediscovery—embodies the enduring power of American roots music and its ability to connect generations. His recordings are considered essential listening for students of blues and folk music, and his influence is evident in the work of countless musicians across genres.
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## Discography (Selected)
– *Folk Songs and Blues* (1963)
– *Today!* (1966)
– *The Immortal Mississippi John Hurt* (posthumous compilations)
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## See Also
– Delta blues
– American folk music revival
– Fingerstyle guitar
– Blues musicians of the 1920s and 1960s
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## References
*Note: This article is based on historical records and musicological research on Mississippi John Hurt.*
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**Meta Description:**
Mississippi John Hurt was a seminal American blues musician known for his gentle voice and intricate fingerpicking guitar style. Rediscovered during the 1960s folk revival, his music continues to influence blues and folk artists worldwide.