I produced a blues show for our local public radio station back in the 1980's and interviewed Elizabeth Cotten, Dave Von Ronk, and John Fahey, all of whom knew Mississippi John Hurt. They all spoke very highly of him. Also Eric Park - who had transcribed all of his songs back in the 70's but who was denied publishing rights due to legal hassles.

I am the webmaster for the John Hurt Family website www.msjohnhurtmuseum.com, and have done extensive research on him and his guitar style for 35 years.


Elizabeth and John both taught themself to play in very unique individualistic styles.

Elizabeth played guitar upside down and backwards, playing the bass with her finger and playing melody with her thumb.

John taught himself to play fingerstyle, and plays in a very unique snycopated style, often dropping the bass complete, and inserting little riffs he liked.

I am currently teaching a class on him for our local parks and rec department, and would be glad to talk to anyone interested in him.

Frank Delaney
fdspokane@earthlink.net