Mathis James "Jimmy" Reed (September 6, 1925 - August 29, 1976) was an American blues singer. His lazy, slack-jawed singing, piercing harmonica and hypnotic guitar patterns were one of the blues most easily identifiable sounds in the 1950s and 1960s. Jimmy Reed was born on September 6, 1925, in Dunleith, Mississippi. He was a blues singer and songwriter who played the guitar and harmonica. ...show more

Mathis James "Jimmy" Reed (September 6, 1925 - August 29, 1976) was an American blues singer. His lazy, slack-jawed singing, piercing harmonica and hypnotic guitar patterns were one of the blues most easily identifiable sounds in the 1950s and 1960s. Jimmy Reed was born on September 6, 1925, in Dunleith, Mississippi. He was a blues singer and songwriter who played the guitar and harmonica.

When he sang, he would slur his words. He produced a series of hits in the 50's that made him the most successful blues singer of the era. Reed sang in church and played the guitar with his friend Eddie Taylor. He left school in 1939 in search of work.

He found a job farming around Duncan and Meltonia, Mississippi.Jackie Myers, SHS However, between 1943 and 1944 he left the south to head to Chicago to find a job because there were more job opportunities available there due to the war. He was drafted into U.S. Navy while there. In 1945 he was discharged and returned home to Mississippi briefly before once more traveling to the Chicago area. ...show less