Jimmy Reed

Jimmy Reed among those inducted into Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame.

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - Rhythm and blues legend Jimmy Reed is among the 2007 class of inductees into the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame.

Reed grew up in Leland and died in 1976 at the age of 51. He was at his creative peak between 1955 and 1961, when he wrote hits including "Baby, What You Want Me to Do" and "Bright Lights, Big City."

Jimmy Reed. His best-known songs -- "Baby, What You Want Me to Do," "Bright Lights, Big City," "Honest I Do," "You Don't Have to Go," "Going to New York," "Ain't That Lovin' You Baby" and "Big Boss Man" -- have become such an integral part of the standard blues repertoire, it's almost as if they have existed forever.
Because his style was simple and easily imitated, his songs were accessible to just about everyone from high school garage bands having a go at it to Elvis Presley, Charlie Rich, Lou Rawls, Hank Williams, Jr., and the Rolling Stones, making him -- in the long run -- perhaps the most influential bluesman of all.

Other inductees include, by category: Freddie Waits of Jackson, jazz; Charlie Feathers of Holly Springs, country; the Rev. Cleophus Robinson of Canton, gospel; Blind Roosevelt Graves and the Mississippi Jook Band of Hattiesburg, rock; Tommy Johnson of Terry, blues.
Previously inducted members of the Mississippi Music Hall of Fame include Faith Hill, Elvis Presley, Jimmy Buffett and B.B. King.

These photos were taken in October, 2006 during the Mississippi Celebrates the Birthplace of America's Music event. This is part of the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame's effort to recognize our states musical heritage. The event feature three days and four concerts, teacher workshops, and the 2006 induction ceremony. Over 100 Mississippi musicians from all over the country performed.


2007/12/29 AP - Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame - http://www.msmusic.org / www.epgold.com