Mississippi Fred McDowell

Fred McDowell lived in and around Memphis, TN until age 35, when he relocated to Como, MS. For two decades McDowell farmed during the day and played guitar in local jukes at night. His slide technique developed from childhood, when Fred first used a pocket knife over the frets, then a filed rib bone and finally a bottleneck worn on the ring finger.

His style is considered North Mississippi to distinguish it from Delta blues. This technique uses less chord changes than Delta music.

McDowell's recording career began at age 55, when Allen Lomax brought him into a studio for the first time. "I do not play no rock and roll" is a famous Fred saying, ironic as in his later career he used an electric guitar and associated with younger rock performers.

Cancer eventually claimed 68-year-old Fred McDowell. He left behind a substantial discography and a number of original songs that have been covered by many subsequent musicians.