Mississippi Fred McDowell

Mississippi Fred McDowell — blues artist from US.

Mississippi Fred McDowell was a true Delta blues purveyor, steadfast in his traditional style and disdain for rock music. Born in Rossville, Tennessee in 1904,…

Genres

bluesbluesdelta bluestraditional bluesacoustic bluescountry bluesfolk & traditionaltraditional folktraditional southern folk

Influential: 48.96% Fanbase: 18.33% Trending: 64.27%

As of: 2025-09-07

Top Brand Affinity

Highest overlapping lifestyle brand

Not available

As of 2025-09-07

0

Social Media Followers

As of 2025-09-07

00:00:00

Hours Airplay

Scores

Score: DMDB 48.96% | Fanbase 18.33% | Trending 64.27% | CAREER STAGE: MID_LEVEL

Biography

Mississippi Fred McDowell was a true Delta blues purveyor, steadfast in his traditional style and disdain for rock music. Born in Rossville, Tennessee in 1904, McDowell honed his craft playing for tips in Memphis before being discovered by folklorist Alan Lomax in 1959. Despite late recognition, McDowell's authentic blues recordings on the Arhoolie label in the mid-'60s garnered widespread acclaim, leading to a surge in demand for his performances at folk festivals and venues worldwide. His influence extended to younger musicians like Bonnie Raitt and the Rolling Stones, but his career was cut short by cancer in 1972, at the age of 68.

McDowell's refusal to conform to modern trends and unwavering dedication to his craft set him apart in the blues community. His legacy as a master of the bottleneck guitar style and emotive vocals remains unmatched, with his impact felt across generations of blues enthusiasts. Despite his late rise to fame, McDowell's contributions to the genre and influence on subsequent artists solidify his place as a cornerstone of Delta blues history.