Mississippi Blues Artist...

Born in Avalon, just right up the road a few miles from Grenada, Ms. is the birthplace of blues legend Mississippi John Hurt.

John Hurt was known for his melodic style of guitar playing. His three-finger picking technique was immulated by musicians worldwide. Bonnie Raitt, credits the playing style of Mississippi John Hurt as being the key influence in her musical background.

Born March 8th, 1892 in Teoc and growing up in Avalon, John hurt lived as a modest farmer. With the help of white fiddler Willie Narmour, John Hurt landed his first recording contract OKeh record company.

John Hurt had three recording session with OKeh, in which he recorded six songs, that were released in their "old-time catalogue" in 1928. It would be 35 years before John Hurt made any other recordings.

In the time frame between recordings, 1928-1963...John continued to work on the farm, playing for local dances in and around the area.

Thanks to a couple of guys who drove to Avalon, after hearing John's OKeh recordings. Mississippi John Hurt was pursuaded to start playing festival, with more recording to come.

Official Mississippi John Hurt Site

Born Samuel Gene Maghett on Feb. 14th 1937 in Grenada, Ms. Aptly nicknamed Magic Sam by fellow musician and childhood friend Magic Slim. Magic Sam's high voice and raw but harmonious playing style set him apart from tradition twelve bar blues players.

Sam left Grenada and moved to Chicago in 1950. Sam didn't have any problem getting work. It didn't take long for word to get out that "there was a new sheriff in town".

Sam immediately had a following of fans, playing Chicago blues clubs and festivals. Signed by Cobra record label in 1957. Sam recorded several singles that had little success.

Outaide a small following of local fans, Magic Sam did receive accolades from his peers. Shortly following a small local success with songs like "Easy Baby" and "21 Days in Jail", Sam"s record label Cobra, closed down.

Many of the Chicago blues players went over to Chess Records. Sam wasn't so lucky, as he was drafted into the Army.

Sam's stay in the army lasted about two weeks until he deserted. Sam was caught shortly afterwards, sentenced to military prison and received a dishonorable discharge.

Heading back to Chicago, Sam again hooked up with blues great Willie Dixon and continued where he left off. Eventually Magic Sam signed with "Delmark Records" releasing two albums. Both albums received critical acclaim and things were looking up, playing rock venues, such as, the "Fillmore" in San Francisco.

At the age of 32, Samuel "Magic Sam" Maghett suffered a heart attack and died.

In 1982 Magic Sam was inducted into the "Blues Hall of Fame"