Jimmy Reed made history by playing simple and understandable music that millions wanted to listen to. To achieve popularity, he did not have to make significant efforts. Everything happened from the heart, of course. The singer enthusiastically sang on stage, but was not ready for overwhelming success. Jimmy began to drink alcoholic beverages, which negatively affected his health and career.
The childhood and youth of the singer Jimmy Reed
Mathis James Reed (singer's full name) was born on September 6, 1925. His family at that time lived on a plantation near the city of Dunleath (Mississippi), USA. Here he spent his childhood. Parents gave their son only a "mediocre" school education. When the young man was 15 years old, a friend became interested in his music. The young man learned the basics of playing musical instruments (guitar and harmonica). So he began to earn extra money by performing at the holidays.
At the age of 18, James went to Chicago, hoping to earn money. Given his age, he was quickly drafted into the army, sent to serve in the navy. After several years devoted to his homeland, the young man returned to the place where he was born. There he married Mary. The young family immediately decided to go to Chicago. They settled in the small town of Gary. The man got a job at a factory for the production of canned meat.
Music in the life of a future celebrity
James worked in production, which did not prevent him from performing in the clubs of his city in his spare time. Sometimes it was possible to enter the more solid scenes of nightlife in Chicago. Reid played with John Brim's Gary Kings. In addition, James willingly performed on the streets with Villie Joe Duncan. The artist played the harmonica. His partner accompanied on an unusual electrified instrument with a single string. Jimmy saw a genuine interest in his work, but did not make any attempts to develop a career.
jimmy reed step by step to success
Members of John Brim's Gary Kings have long told him to work with record companies. Reid approached Chess Records but was turned down. Friends advised not to lose heart, to try to contact less well-known firms. Jimmy found a common language with Vee-Jay Records.
At the same time, Reed found a partner, who became Eddie Taylor, his school friend. The guys recorded several singles at the studio. The first songs were not successful. Listeners noticed only the third work You Don't Have To Go. The composition entered the charts, with it began a series of hits that lasted for a decade.
Jimmy Reed on the laurels of fame
The singer's work quickly became popular. Despite the simplicity and monotony of his songs, listeners demanded this particular music. Anyone could imitate his style, easily cover his compositions. Perhaps in such elementality there was a charm, thanks to which popular love arose.
Beginning in 1958, until his death, Jimmy Reed recorded an album every year, performed with many concerts. Throughout the history of the artist's career, 11 songs entered the Billboard Hot 100 popular music chart, and 14 songs hit the blues music ratings.
Alcohol and health problems
The singer has always had an interest in alcoholic beverages. As soon as he realized that he had become popular, it became impossible to stop the "riotous" lifestyle. He was not interested in noisy parties and women, but he was unable to resist alcohol. The restrictions of relatives and members of his team did not help.
Jimmy came up with various ingenious ways to obtain and hide alcoholic beverages. Against the background of alcoholism, the singer was diagnosed with epilepsy. Seizures were often confused with attacks of delirium tremens. The reputation was also worsened by the inadequacy of behavior. Colleagues laughed at the artist, but the audience remained faithful to the “blues icon” of the middle of the century.
Involvement of friends and spouse in Jimmy Reed's career
Jimmy Reed has never been distinguished by a special mind and education. He could sign an autograph and also learn the lyrics. That was where his abilities ended. Alcohol abuse only exacerbated the situation. In the studio, the process was led by Eddie Taylor. He prompted the texts, commanded where to start singing, and where to play the harmonica or change the chord.
At concerts with the singer, his wife was always nearby. The woman was nicknamed Mama Reed. She had to "mess around" with her husband, like with a child. She helped the artist stand on his feet, whispering lines from songs in his ear. Sometimes Mary would start by herself so that Jimmy wouldn't lose the rhythm. At the end of his career, the singer became a real puppet. Even fans have begun to understand this.
Jimmy Reed: Retirement, death
In the early 1970s, popularity began to wane. Jimmy Reed still continued to record albums and give concerts, but the public gradually lost interest in him. The singer's work was called boring and stereotyped. The reputation was worsened by alcoholism and indecent behavior. The artist recorded the last album using funk rhythms, wah.
Fans did not appreciate the efforts to modernize creativity. Jimmy has decided to end his career. He took care of his health. Courses of treatment for alcoholism and epilepsy did not give results. The singer died on August 29, 1976. Before his death, the artist was sure that he would soon recover and resume his creative activity.
