Mississippi John Hurt is a finger-picker nonpareil, a true gentleman, a poor marketer, proud owner of the best smile in the Blues, and this week's Lundi Legend. Johnny's trademark smile is reflective of one the nicest characters in all of blues, and one of the most humble. Despite his world class talent, after the Lomax boys came and recorded Mr. Hurt in his hometown of Avalon Mississippi, he happily went back to farm work... for decades. He didn't even try to play beyond his tiny town, fully content to just play on his front porch for the neighbours.
Luckily, greatness like this is tough to hide, and just before his death they managed to record the aptly named "Last Sessions", which along with his "1928 Session" form a towering contribution to the Blues cannon.
Here is the man himself performing "You Got to Walk That Lonesome Valley" live, and "Let The Mermaids Flirt With Me" from Last Sessions. Johnny will make masochists of us all, because after these tunes you will love the hurt.
Mississippi John Hurt from Andy Minnes.
You should get him on the show!
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