Fred McDowell facts for kids
Fred McDowell (born January 12, 1904 – died July 3, 1972) was a famous Delta blues singer and guitar player. People also knew him as Mississippi Fred McDowell. He grew up in Tennessee and learned to play the guitar at a young age.
Contents
Early Life and Music
Fred McDowell was born in Rossville, Tennessee. This town is close to Memphis. He started playing the guitar when he was 14 years old. He often played music at local parties and gatherings.
Moving to Mississippi
In 1926, McDowell moved to Memphis. There, he played his guitar to earn money. A few years later, around 1940 or 1941, he moved to Como, Mississippi. In Como, he worked as a farmer. Even while farming, he kept playing music at parties.
Playing Style
Fred McDowell was known for his special way of playing the slide guitar. He would use a pocket knife or a piece of beef rib bone as a slide. Later, he switched to using a glass slide. He wore the slide on his ring finger to create unique sounds.
Becoming Famous
In the 1950s, many people started to become more interested in Blues music. This helped Fred McDowell become more famous.
First Recordings
He made his first recordings in 1959. He worked with music experts Alan Lomax and Shirley Collins. These recordings helped share his music with a wider audience.
Electric Guitar and Influence
Fred McDowell began playing the electric guitar instead of just his acoustic guitar. However, he always said, "I do not play no rock and roll". He taught the slide guitar technique to the famous musician Bonnie Raitt. Even the well-known band The Rolling Stones wrote about him.
Albums
Fred McDowell's first album came out in 1969. It was called I Do Not Play No Rock 'N' Roll.
Death
Fred McDowell died in 1972 from cancer. He is buried at Hammond Hill M.B. Church. This church is located between Como and Senatobia, Mississippi.
See also
In Spanish: Fred McDowell para niños
