Jimmy Reed

If you don't already know that Jimmy Reed is a king of popular blues standards, then read on. Now dig -- if you have ever heard anyone play "Bright Lights, Big City," "Baby, What You Want Me to Do," "Ain't That Lovin' You Baby," "Big Boss Man," "Going To New York," "You Don't Have to Go," "Boogie In the Dark," "High And Lonesome" or "Honest I Do" then you have heard the sweet Delta influenced stylings of tunesmith Jimmy Reed. His easy-going blues songs have been covered by everyone from Elvis to The Rolling Stones to Charlie Rich to Bob Dylan (not to mention an endless sea of UK and US Garage bands). Reed was notorious for getting so sauced that he could barely stand up before suddenly snapping to and hitting the stage with all the gusto of a skilled and sober musician. Because his music was so kicked back and accessible, many musicians found his timeless blues songs naturally approachable and playable. From the 1950s to the 1960s Reed sold almost as many records as the better known B.B. King. He passed away in Oakland on August 29, 1976.