I DON'T PLAY NO ROCK AND ROLL

Mississippi Fred McDowell playing Break 'Em On Down.

Fred McDowell is one of my all time favorites. The first time I ever heard anything by him was his version of John Henry and it absolutely floored me. He truely embodies the essence of real country blues whether he's finger-picking an acoustic guitar or playing bottle-neck slide on an electric.

He was born in 1904 in the Delta and worked as a farm hand for most of his life. He'd play guitar for for fun, mostly playing juke joints, picnics and local social gatherings. He was "discovered" by Alan Lomax in the late '50s and became an instant legend, playing sold out festivals and venues until he died 1971.

One thing's for sure: He didn't play no rock and roll.