Jimmy Reed

Mathis James “Jimmy” Reed (b. Dunleith, Mississippi, September 6, 1925 – d. Oakland, California, August 29, 1976) – Singer, guitarist, and harmonica player. Although born and raised in Mississippi, Jimmy Reed’s musical career took off while he was living in Gary, Indiana, where he had moved to in the late 1940s to work at the Armour and Co. meat packing plant. After establishing himself as a well-known local musician, Reed joined the Gary Kings and sought out record deals in Chicago, where he landed a contract with Vee-Jay Records. From 1956 to 1963, he charted nineteen singles including “Ain’t That Lovin’ You Baby” (No. 3 on the R & B Chart, 1956) and “Bright Lights, Big City” (No. 3 on the R & B Chart, 1961). Known for helping popularize the electric blues, Reed was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.