Mississippi John Hurt

Subject: Mississippi John Hurt
From: simon-pierre
Date: 13 May 00 - 12:24 AM

Another great night to stare at my wall (there's a Bob Dylan poster on it, or I can choose the other wall, with a reproduction of Kandinsky, depending on how I feel) while listening to Mississippi John Hurt for the first time, reading a little about him, his incredible rediscover in the 50's - 60's, wondering how he can play guitar like this. A real discover.

I would like to read toughts of folks here about him, what do you think about his music, if you ever assist to one of his shows, what do you know about him or his songs (history, anecdotes) or if you were ever able to play his music. Any toughts would be appreciated.

SP

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: wysiwyg
Date: 13 May 00 - 12:27 AM

Mississippi John Hurt is a special favorite at our house, and his "Blessed Be the Name" is frequently done at our church and at local nursing homes when we go do the service there.

His music ran through the music of everyone I loved listening to. Finally, I got one of his recordings and found out why they loved him so much and why I loved it whenever they played that certain picking style.

~S~

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: Sourdough
Date: 13 May 00 - 01:08 AM

I was living in Boston in 1963 when I heard that Mississipi John Hurt was alive. This was at a time when old musicians were being discovered. It seemed like Ralph Rinzler, an old-timey mandolin player was finding most of them but I don't think John Hurt was one of the people he tracked down. The Sixties were close enough to the twenties that a surprising number of those musicians were still around, forgotten by almost everyone, and probably boring their unbelieving neighbors with the stories of how they used to be stars. Then all of a sudden people started coming looking for them. It was really exciting to hear of a rediscovery and hear the music direct from the twenties and thirties.

I don't know where I heard John Hurt's first recording but I do remember that while listening to "Creole Belle" and "Louis Collins" that I started to comprehend that old saying that "less is more". John Hurt's guitar picking was so precise and his tones rang. The notes were so spare and tasteful. They blended with his simple vocal melodies with real warmth. I am not a fan of Delta Blues and but here was someone from both there and then but his music seemed to me to be so much more universal.

I think I envy you for getting to hear him for the first time.

Sourdough

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: Musicman
Date: 13 May 00 - 01:26 AM

I've got some old recordings (tapes i think) havn't listened to for a bit, but I have a book of country blues picking, and there is this picture of John Hurt.... he has one of those faces that just sort of makes you smile back at him......

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: Billy the Bus
Date: 13 May 00 - 06:00 AM

Simon-Pierre,

Rip the Dylon poster off the wall, and see if you can find the picture of Mississippi John Hurt that Musicman mentions - to me, that photo is "The Face of the World as it Should Have Been".

S-P - Like you, I wish to hear from those at Mudcat who met MJH. All I can comment on is what I heard from records 35 years ago, read from the notes, and tried to (not) play.

Sourdough is "true to name" with the post above. MJH was "sourdough bread" - simple and "leave a bit out for the next risin'" - I loved the way he'd "drop a bit off" in each chorus, so you could "fill in the blanks".

Y'know what I say ~S~? "Praise-be"?

I hope this thread lasts better than "Ramblin' Jack Elliot" did - he's fallen off the heap already.

SP - MJH is great! Thank you for starting the thread.

Bon soir - Sam

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: catspaw49
Date: 13 May 00 - 09:27 AM

Patrick Sky, one of my favorite folkies from the 60's was one of those who found and played with him. You hear the John Hurt influence in much of his playing and songwriting.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: Chris/Darwin
Date: 13 May 00 - 09:34 AM

I first heard MJH on that Newport FF album shortly after he started his new career. I was blown away by his gentle nature, his unassuming manner, and the remarkable songs and guitar playing.

Like many others, I became determined to learn to play like that! Fortunately, in the 60's Oak put some good books out, and I learned enough songs note-for-note to get the hang of the guitar style.

I still sing many of those songs today - Louis Collins, Spike Driver blues, Blessed be the Name, Creole Belle, Candy Man, Got the Blues (Can't be Satisfied), Stagolee, etc etc. I get as much pleasure playing these songs today as I did 30 years ago.

John Hurt influenced thousands of guitarists and singers all over the world, and his music lives on. Blessed be his name!

Regards Chris

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: wysiwyg
Date: 13 May 00 - 09:46 AM

When we do Blessed Be the Name, I often say a bit about how MJH's gentleness was... and bless him and his name as well.

~S~

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: Peter T.
Date: 13 May 00 - 09:51 AM

You might want to hear Dave Van Ronk's "Did You Hear John Hurt?" sometime. A nice tribute.
yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: Mike Regenstreif
Date: 13 May 00 - 10:04 AM

In the credit where credit is due department, "Did You Hear John Hurt?" is a Tom Paxton song that Dave Van Ronk also sings.

There's also a duet version of Tom and Dave doing the song on FOLLOW THAT ROAD (Philo), a 2-CD compilation of various artists recorded at a singer-songwriters' retreat on Martha's Vineyard.

Another great tribute song to Hohn Hurt is Happy Traum's "Mississippi John."

Mike Regenstreif

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: Mike Regenstreif
Date: 13 May 00 - 10:07 AM

"Hohn Hurt?"

I did mean to say "John Hurt." That QWERTY guy should not have put the "H" next to the "J."

MR

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: Hardiman the Fiddler
Date: 13 May 00 - 10:11 AM

A couple of my favorite John Hurt tunes are "Make me a pallet on your floor," and "Got the Blues, Can't be Satisfied." I usually sing them, while playing a gentle roll on the banjo.

HTF

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: Peter T.
Date: 13 May 00 - 10:44 AM

Sorry about that! "Here Am I Lord Send Me" is also wonderful. First John Hurt song I ever heard.

yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: wysiwyg
Date: 13 May 00 - 11:29 AM

Do you all hear the guitar ring in your minds when you post these titles? I do. Thanks for the sound clips.

~S~

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: MikeJ
Date: 13 May 00 - 11:29 AM

I've been a MJH fan since the first recording I heard back in the early '70s. I recently bought the video " Legends of Country Blues Guitar" on Vestapol, which includes Hurt playing two songs. It's a joy to watch him after listening to him all these years. I only wish there was more video available. Mike

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: harpgirl
Date: 13 May 00 - 07:11 PM

(Actually Pete Peterson, visiting Ms. Harp) I was in the audience at the Blues workshop at newport, July 1963 when they announced from the stage "from Avalon, MS, Mississippi John Hurt" and I was one of the few people who knew who he was (thanks again to Harry Smith and the Anthology, and to Tom Paley who had recorded Stagolee on New Lost City Ramblers volume 4) a few mnutes later EVERYBODY did. I saw him a few months later at the Second Fret in Phila and got to hang around him a little bit afterwards. Sat as close as possible to watch the thumb move so rock-steady back and forth. It was wonderful. There's a lot of John Hurt in my own guitar playing. ((I wish!))

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: Little Neophyte
Date: 14 May 00 - 08:06 PM

I was just recently introduced to Mississippi John Hurt through the video Rick Fielding lent me. It was one of Pete Seeger's Rainbow Quest series.
I was so impressed with Hurt.
Besides incredible talent, John Hurt has charisma oozing out of his pours.
Amazing person
I just picked up his Avalon Blues CD
Right now I am listening to 'Louis Collins'.

Little Neo

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: ddw
Date: 14 May 00 - 11:31 PM

Simon-Pierre,

John Hurt is one of my favorites, but if you like his stuff you should also search out the albums by Mance Lipscomb. His guitar work is sorta MJH with turbo.

cheers

David

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: GUEST,Frankie
Date: 14 May 00 - 11:45 PM

I took my nickname from the MJH song of that name (no gender ambiguity here, though). There is a long and interesting interview with Hurt from 1963 at Stefan Grossman's Guitar Workshop website. At least I hope it's still there.

F

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: Wesley S
Date: 15 May 00 - 01:16 PM

I can almost hear "Let The Mermaids Flirt With Me" as I write this. What amazes me about Mississippi John Hurt , Chet Atkins and others is how easy they make it look and sound. It's as if their fingers are barely moving and it fools you into thinking - "I can do that" . Then you find out how tough it is.

My idea of heaven includes a riverbank, a couple of good old Martins and Mississippi John Hurt showing me how it's all done.

"Save on the undertakers bill, let the mermaids flirt with me"

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: Jon W.
Date: 15 May 00 - 02:40 PM

My first contact with MJH was when I traded a Buddy Holly greatest hits album for M.John's "Last Sessions" LP, recorded in 1966 with Patrick Sky. The thing I like about him, is how much at peace he seemed to be with himself. Contrast that with his contemporary and fellow Mississippian Son House, who seemed forever tortured with a conflict between his blues and his religion. MJH could play a gospel number one minute and one of his gentle blues the next and it all sounded just right.

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: GUEST,Steve Latimer
Date: 15 May 00 - 03:11 PM

I love MJH's sound and style. I am constantly amazed at how gentle it sounds, but he has some of the most viloent lyrics I've ever heard. I'm not saying that I don't enjoy them, but I find it to be a real contrast between the sweet sound of his playing and voice, and the messages he often conveys.

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: GUEST,Miss'Ippe Hobo
Date: 15 May 00 - 04:34 PM

Whoa,,,,,For a first time visitor to MudCat,,,,,,so many people who even know who Mississippi John was. And Jack Elliott, Tom Paxton, Dave Van Ronk, Spider John Krohner, Eric Von Schmidt, Jim Kweskin, so many names flooding back from the late nights of the 60's. Speak to me, oh friends of the silk and steel.

You are so right, John was so gentle, so very much at peace with his music and the joy it brought. Music still rings from the shotgun house in Clarksdale.

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: Wesley S
Date: 15 May 00 - 04:41 PM

Wecome Hobo - If you like artists like that you've come to the right place. Tell us about yourself. Then join up and hang on.........

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: Peter T.
Date: 15 May 00 - 05:27 PM

Yes, fasten the seat belt, Hobo! I bet someone here knows John Hurt's shoe size.
yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: Brian Hoskin
Date: 16 May 00 - 08:16 AM

I know that Joe Hickerson interviewed John Hurt for the Library of Congress because I saw a photograph of the two of them together whilst I was doing some research in the Folklife Archive a couple of years ago. What I found particularly exciting about this was that the very helpful man pulling out files for me was Joe Hickerson, and that put me just one step away from the magical Mr Hurt.

Brian

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: Easy Rider
Date: 16 May 00 - 12:07 PM

Mississipp John Hurt was the grandfather we all wished we had. He was the wisest, sweetest, gentlest, most unassuming man I ever met. His playing was pure lyricism, and he could hold an audience spellbound.

I've learned a number of his songs, the latest being ""Payday"" and ""Nobody Cares For Me"". Yazoo has a CD of his 1928 recording sessions, when his tenor voice was young. It is a "Must Have".

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: Jon W.
Date: 16 May 00 - 01:28 PM

Say, if any one has transcriptions of a few of his songs, I'd sure like them. Particularly "Trouble I've Had it All My Days", "Let the Mermaids Flirt With Me", and "Can't You Hear My Savior Calling (AKA Here Am I, Send Me)". Or maybe I should just try harder to listen closely. Also, does anyone know if he used alternate tunings very much or was he pretty much a standard tuning type of guy?

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: Peter T.
Date: 16 May 00 - 05:52 PM

Stefan Grossman has transcriptions of some of Hurt's songs for sale, including "Here Am I Lord Send Me" (on the Country Gospel Blues Lessons tapes series). This is in open G. He seems to have been big on G.
yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: GUEST,Slider
Date: 16 May 00 - 09:20 PM

MLH's "Slidin' Delta" was the first tune I figured out on my own after getting the Vanguard twofer album nearly 25 years ago. I think it was called "The Best Of MJH" or somesuch. Great album recorded in April of '65 at a college (Oberlin?)...I'm just too lazy to get up from the chair and go to where the records are and look. One of the things that has facinated me is how much better his playing and singing was in his later years compared to his early Okey recordings(IMHO). Just listening to his different ways of playing "Candyman" is a study unto itself. Without a doubt, MJH was the main reason I stuck with the guitar. His music was so much more accessible than say, Son House,Skip James and others.(although now I can snap strings off the fingerboard and growl and moan to my hearts' content...it just took two and a half decades!!!) Of all those great "redicovered" bluesmen of the '60's , He is the one I wish I could have seen. I just love him, cantcha tell?

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 17 May 00 - 12:23 AM

One of my cherished possessions is a copy of the album made from the sessions he recorded for Dick Spottswood after being rediscovered. Mississippi John autographed it for me at one of the early Newport Festivals. The record's in fine shape, but the jacket is now falling apart, so I'm thinking of having it framed. God, what a beautiful, gentle man he was!

karen k knew Mississippi John much better than I did. Where are you, Karen? I thought you were going to add to this thread.

Sandy (warmed by fond memories!)

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: Roo
Date: 17 May 00 - 02:20 AM

Hello all, Don't usually say much but love dropping by and reading some of the threads. Anyone heard Bill Morrissey's CD called Songs of Mississippi John Hurt? It features his versions of 15 songs by Mississippi John Hurt. Cormac McCarthy plays harmonica on several numbers and Peter Keane does some guitar and backing vocals.

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: Stewie
Date: 17 May 00 - 02:53 AM

Easy Rider mentioned the Yazoo issue of MJH's 1928 Okeh recordings. These were also reissued by Sony in the Roots N'Blues series under the title 'Avalon Blues: The Complete 1928 Okeh Recordings' Columbia/Legacy CK 64986 in much better sound. Indispensible! The comment about sound applies also with the respective Sony and Yazoo Blind Willie Johnson reissues. Yazoo does a great job, but Sony is owner of the masters. There is also a MJH CD with the same title, 'Avalon Blues', issued by Arhoolie [CD 1081]. These were 1963 recordings in Maryland by Peter Silitch and Sandy Fisher with production by Dick Spottswood - lovely album. It's possibly from the same recording session mentioned by Sandy Paton above.

--Stewie.

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: Stewie
Date: 17 May 00 - 02:57 AM

Sorry, I must be cracking up. The 1963 'Avalon Blues' issue is by Rounder, not Arhoolie. I don't know how I did that: I have the CD sitting here in front of me. I got the catalogue number right though.

--Stewie.

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: GUEST,Frankie
Date: 17 May 00 - 11:12 PM

Stewie, LP you and Sandy are referring to is Piedmont PLP13517 it's called Mississippi John Hurt Folk Songs and Blues with a great picture of the man smiling impishly on the jacket. Roo, I've heard a lot of the Morrisey CD and I really like his interpretations, especially Shake That Thing.

Frankie

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 17 May 00 - 11:44 PM

It was the Piedmont album I was referring to above - my introduction to the art of Mississippi John. Now I have the Yazoo re-release of the 1928 Sessions and two Rounder CDs: Legend and Worried Blues - 1963. Morrisey (spelling?) may do them well, but I urge you all to listen to Mississippi John himself. He was great!

Sandy

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: gillymor
Date: 17 May 00 - 11:58 PM

Agreed Sandy, I love the 1928 recordings and the Piedmont LP but my favorite is probably the Live at Newport double LP.

Frankie

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: GUEST,simon-pierre
Date: 19 May 00 - 04:25 PM

Hi folks!

I do not like to let die a thread I had start, but my computer crashed this week (and is still kockned-out), so I read your nice and knowledgeable posts only today.

I'm glad to see that the beautiful music of MJH is well-known, and and it's wonderful to know how we were lead to his work, between the sixties and 2000... The post of Surdough made me laugh and think; ultimately, I think I envy you to had live in a wonderful period, and discovered his music in other way than mine; I bought a CD with the smilin' face of John Hurt, and for me it was something like an historical document; I mean, he died before I was born. A big problem indeed: I often read that the folk revival was made by people who discovered this music through recordings; how do you think it is now?...

Last Saturday, I made play at my radio show « Salty dog», « Stagolee » and « Candy man », and the beautiful song mentionned here, « Did you hear John Hurt ».

Thanks for your posts.

Simon-Pierre

(I'm sure this post crumbles under mistakes. Please forgive)

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: Wesley S
Date: 19 May 00 - 04:54 PM

Simon - Pierre - Trust us - there is nothing to forgive. Your love of John Hurts music is evident by your posts. One of the things I enjoy about the Mudcat is that I will find a post like this and it will send me to my record collection to dig out something I wavn't listened to in a while. Thank you.

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: GUEST,Drew Smith
Date: 19 May 00 - 04:56 PM

I loved John Hurt's picking and singing! Doggone, I could have seen and heard Mississippi John Hurt when he was still alive, but didn't ever get around to do it. I certainly regret that a lot. He influenced so many guitar pickers, much as Libba Cotton did, too. But I did get to meet with Elizabeth Cotton in her very late years, when we were both performing at the Philadelphia Folk Festival. I found her sitting in the performers area, all by herself ... and I was determined not to let the opportunity pass, so I went and sat alongside her and talked with her for over a half hour. She was delightful!

And as she was about to go up to the main stage for the last time she ever performed there, she bent over and gave me a kiss on the cheek. Wow! So ... my message is for you to go and do the things that you feel you should, for who knows when (or if) the opportunity may present itself again.

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: Wesley S
Date: 19 May 00 - 04:56 PM

That should have been "Haven't" not wavn't. My post crumbles too.

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: Peter T.
Date: 19 May 00 - 05:50 PM

Nice story, Drew.
yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 19 May 00 - 07:41 PM

Goiod advice, too, Drew!

Sandy

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: gillymor
Date: 20 May 00 - 08:24 AM

Also regarding the Morrisey CD, hearing Hurt's songs done in a different style helped me to realize again what a great songwriter he was.

Frankie

Subject: Lyr/Chords Add: BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD
From: wysiwyg
Date: 22 Mar 01 - 10:26 AM

What a great thread. Thought I'd add this.

~S~

---

BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD

(G)If you don't love your sister,
Don't (C)spread her name a- (G)broad.
Blessed be the (C)Name of the (D7)Lord!
Just (G)hold her in your bosom,
And (C)carry her home to (G)God.
Blessed be the name of the Lord.

CHORUS
(G)Blessed be the (G7)Name, (C)blessed be the (G)Name,
Blessed be the (C)Name of the (D7)Lord.
(G)Blessed be the (G7)Name, (C)blessed be the (G)Name,
Blessed be the (D7)Name of the (G)Lord. (C, G)

Additional verses, substitute at italics:
brother, preacher, deacon, neighbor.... his/her

SH

Subject: Lyr Add: DID YOU HEAR JOHN HURT? (Tom Paxton)
From: simon-pierre
Date: 22 Mar 01 - 04:58 PM

Why not add this one that was mentionned here? As Mike Regenstreif pointed out, it's a song of Tom Paxton, also sung by Dave Van Ronk on his record "Somebody else, not me". I don't know where to find the Paxton's version.

DID YOU HEAR JOHN HURT?

It was a frosty night, it was beginning to snow,
And on the city streets,the wind began to blow,
We all came to the cellar we all emptied the bar.
To hear a little fellow play a shiny guitar.

(Chorus:}
Did you hear John Hurt play the Creole Bell?
Spanish Fandango? That he loved so well?
And did you love John Hurt? Did you shake his hand?
Did you hear him play his Candy Man?

On a straight back chair, with his felt hat on
He tickled our fancy with his "Avalon"
And everyone passing down on Toulouse Street
Would cock their heads and listen to the tapping feet

SP

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: wysiwyg
Date: 22 Mar 01 - 06:21 PM

Didn't Doc Watson record that also?

~S~

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: Mountain Dog
Date: 22 Mar 01 - 08:44 PM

WYSIWYG

You're right, Doc did a nice version of the song. He even added a verse to this effect:

"We picked some together, John, Merle and me, Like 'a'talkin to Casey' and ol 'Staggerlee' And 'don't y'bet your money, if you can't afford to lose' and oh how he played them 'Monday Mornin' Blues'"

I've always liked Doc's version, an affectionate tribute to one of my heros by another of them! Thanks for mentioning it.

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: wysiwyg
Date: 22 Mar 01 - 08:58 PM

MD-- Oh yeah, I remember now; I have it on an old tape I threw into the gospel tape library. I had actually not ever heard MJH when I heard Doc do that.... it got me to buy a MJH tape next time I saw one. Thanks!

~S~

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From:
Date: 23 Mar 01 - 05:09 AM

Here is an interview with Hurt. It is on Grossman's site and if you go back one step in the heirarchy you will be at Grossman's homepage and can browse around to find what transcriptions he offers.

Murray

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: Mike Regenstreif
Date: 23 Mar 01 - 10:23 AM

Simon-Pierre,

Tom Paxton's original version of "Did You Hear John Hurt?" is on "New Songs From the Briar Patch (Vanguard)."

That entire album is part of the new CD: "Tom Paxton: Best of the Vanguard Years (Vanguard)."

Mike Regenstreif

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: PoppaGator
Date: 30 Jan 04 - 09:56 PM

refresh

I just love John Hurt so much, let's put this up for everyone who wasn't here to read it back in 00/01

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: rangeroger
Date: 30 Jan 04 - 11:35 PM

Last fall at Strawberry Music Festival we had "Avalon Blues",a trio composed of Dave Alvin,Peter Case, and Chris Smithers, doing nothing but MJH songs. What an amazing set this was.

My introduction to MJH was the the Tom Paxton song. Since then I picked up the Vanguard "Blues at Newport 1963" and "Great Bluesmen at Newport" on vinyl.

I just wish that I had been able to listen to the man live. I have to agree with Drew (above), if you have the chance, don't let it pass.

I had that chance with Rosalie Sorrels back stage at Strawberry, and will always cherish the time spent over 2 days talking with her.

rr

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: Alex.S
Date: 31 Jan 04 - 12:02 AM

My favorite bluesman, bar none.

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: GUEST,guest mick
Date: 31 Jan 04 - 07:27 AM

I agree with Steve Latimer's comments . I find that when people try to "get" the John Hurt style they miss out that essential dialectic between the gentleness of the voice and the raw lyrics .
Anecdote :Somebody told me once that a pupil once played Segovia a recording of Hurt. Segovia asked him who was playing the other guitar .

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: GUEST,Susanl
Date: 01 Feb 04 - 04:51 AM

People who dazzle are a dime a dozen. (I'll never figure out why people are so impressed by those who dazzle.) but when John Hurt played and sang, it was downright beautiful. Beautiful is a rare thing and I'll never get over him for that. I love Mississippi John Hurt.

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt new website
From: GUEST,Frank Delaney
Date: 14 Dec 04 - 01:31 AM

www.msjohnhurtmuseum.com is the new official website for John Hurt. His grand daughter is the administrator of his museum and you will find info on John, his music, the annual music festival in his honor, his museum, and the blues foundation dedicated to his memory.

We are hoping to expand this site with a lot more pictures and guitar tab etc so pls email me any questions you have. I have been researching and playing his music since the 1960's and invite you to visit this site and welcome your questions and comments.

Frank Delaney
[e-mail]
Webmaster for www.msjohnhurtmuseum.com

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: khandu
Date: 03 Jul 05 - 10:38 PM

Refreshing this, instead of creating a Happy Birthday John thread.
Today is one of the two dates given as MJH's birthday. Tonight, a MJH Gospel fest is being held in Carroll County, MS and tomorrow the MJH Blues Fest at his old home there.

Happy birthday, Mississippi John! Thanks for the music.

Ken

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: jaze
Date: 03 Jul 05 - 11:08 PM

I've loved MJH since I was in college in the 70's and a friend played the Immortal Mississippi John Hurt Lp for me. I've loved him ever since. Does anyone know of any video's of MJH? I would love to see those fingers in action.

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: khandu
Date: 03 Jul 05 - 11:33 PM

"Legends of the Country Blues Guitar" has John playing "Spike Driver Blues" and "You Got To Walk That Lonesome Valley".
It is available at Stephen Grossman's website.

Watching John on the video is a must! Plus there are some other great pickers there. Brownie McGhee, Big Bill Broonzy, Son House, Mance Lipscomb, to name a few...but Mississippi John tops them all!

Ken

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: khandu
Date: 03 Jul 05 - 11:38 PM

HERE is the link, jaze.

k

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: khandu
Date: 03 Jul 05 - 11:41 PM

HERE is a more direct link to the video.

k

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: GUEST,JB
Date: 06 Sep 05 - 10:01 AM

I've really gotten into the ol' country blues recently, and MJH continues to amaze and delight the more I listen. I've been amassing an LP collection of his quite successfully, but am unable to attain the 1928 recordings on vinyl. How rare is either the original Okeh recordings or the newer released recordings of the original? Thanks!

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: Wesley S
Date: 06 Sep 05 - 10:35 AM

I've got the Okeh recordings. You should be able to order them.

There are some videos of MJH - but I didn't think there was any audio tracks to go with them. Am I wrong ?

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: GUEST,Hootenanny
Date: 06 Sep 05 - 12:10 PM

The original OK 78 recordings are on shellac not vinyl and would cost you a considerable amount. The vinyl re-issues should be available from a good mail-order company, Red Lick for instance in Wales, they have a web site and a good constant turnover of second hand Vinyl, CD's etc. Yazoo among others put this material out on vinyl.

Hoot

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: number 6
Date: 07 Oct 05 - 10:43 PM

Nothing is finer than listening to John singing "Richland Woman Blues" ... so, so, sooo nice.

sIx

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: GUEST,Bob Coltman
Date: 08 Oct 05 - 06:43 AM

I agree with Easy Rider ... John was unique and wonderful, the epitome of sweet temper, and although shy, a kind of natural diplomat at ease in the world -- even though when I met him he had just been brought out of his lifelong isolation in Avalon, Mississippi. The extraordinary impression he made on me is shared by many of us who met him.

I was lucky enough to share a program with him in late '62 or early '63 at the Showboat Lounge, Washington DC. I was entranced of course, having heard his Spike Driver Blues, Candy Man, and one or two other things. I had already learned, as best I could, his wonderful rolling fingerpicking style, which mesmerized me.

We talked for a little between sets. He was very gracious to me, said he liked my playing onstage (now that, I think, must have been his polite generosity, but I cherish it anyway).

John was one of the gentlest, sweetest people I ever knew. I honestly don't think that was because he was a subservient black of the old school. On the contrary he had a rare mixture of gentleness with dignity.

And oh my, could he sing and play a song. He had a vast fund of them, not a few, I suspect, never recorded. Voice and guitar perfectly blended. A miracle.

His personality was one that has stayed with me from then till now, as a kind of model for kindness and generosity. He appears in my music, whether it can be heard or not. He's one of my heroes, always.

And the song that clings to me like a burr, above all of his that marked me, is "Louis Collins." It's become part of my DNA.

Bob

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: Le Scaramouche
Date: 08 Oct 05 - 11:53 AM

His take on 'You Are My Sunshine' is stunning.

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: voyager
Date: 08 Oct 05 - 12:41 PM

At an FSGW program in the DC area (back in the 90's) I got a chance
to meet TOM HOSKINS and hear the wonderful story of "discovering"
MJH in the early 60's.

Has this story been chronicled on Mudcat in previous threads?
I found a snippet of this tale over here --

http://www.bluesworld.com/Fang.html

Part of that workshop included a handwritten biography of MJH which
I've kept in the archives.

voyager

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Nov 05 - 02:09 PM

Tom Hoskins was one of my best friends. I lived with and near Fang from 1960-1`975. Went throught the whole John Hurt part of Tom's life. It Hurt when John died and it hurt when Fang died. Dave Nicholson, General Delivery, Williamsville Virginia 24487

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: GUEST,Peter Silitch
Date: 18 Apr 06 - 11:48 PM

It is appropriate and touching that John is so appreciated, as shown by all these tributes.   There may be hope for our civilization after all!

John was a jewel of a gentleman who lived in a world in which it was very difficult to be a gentleman, white or black, rich or poor. Like another earlier hero, he showed us how.

You ask how I know?   I was privelaged to record him in April 1963 in Annapolis, Maryland for a couple of days.

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: PoppaGator
Date: 19 Apr 06 - 02:03 AM

I'm hoping to attend the little festival at the Mississippi John Hurt Museum this coming 4th-of-July weekend. Anyone else?

Mississippi John Hurt Museum

Wasn't able to make it last year, although I had begun making plans and had done all the necessary research. The site is well off the beaten path, but I got a decent set of directions from a contributor to the forum at tweedsblues.net.

If I had never heard John Hurt, and been so totally captivated by his playing and his personality, I might well have lost interest in the guitar and never been motivated to keep trying to learn. If I live long enough. maybe I'll finally be able to make the thing sound at least a little bit as good as MJH could do. Of course, he's not a bad role model as a vocalist, either!

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: Steve-o
Date: 19 Apr 06 - 12:29 PM

Poppa, you are so right. About the time I hit the wall with fingerpicking in a pattern, I discovered MJH, who broke the pattern. At first it was mostly a learning experience, then I fell in love with everything about him. I'm still challenged today when I try to do things like Monday Morning Blues. So brilliant, and so sweet.

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: GUEST,Bluesless & Cluesless
Date: 19 Apr 06 - 12:46 PM

sad days indeed..

first we hear news "Tom Dundee injured"

and now "Mississippi John Hurt"..

anyone know how badly, and the nature of his injuries ?

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: GUEST,AR282
Date: 19 Apr 06 - 07:28 PM

When I first heard "Spike Driver's Blues" I got tingly. It's not really blues, strictly speaking. More like a rare window into black folkstyles that might have help shape the blues. I try to imagine that it might have been originally played on a clawhammer banjo.

I vowed when I bought an acoustic that I would learn that song. It took a while but now I play it almost effortlessly and people love it. There's something about the spell it kind of casts over you. It's so haunting. It's a man enslaved on the railroad planning his escape back to Colorado before that spike driver's hammer does him in like it did po' ol' John Henry. Amazing song!

And when you sing it, you have to sing it like John did. You have to pronounce "hammer" as "HAM-maaw"--seriously, it doesn't sound right if you don't.

The guitar line just repeats. It doesn't vary although I've worked in all kinds of interesting variations as I cycle through it. A folkie I know loved it when I played it for him but he already knew it and could play it better than me (at least I liked how he played it more than I like how I play it) but he admitted he can't sing it and play it which I do quite easily in a perfect John impersonation.

When I was buying my last acoustic, I was trying it out close to a lobby where parents could sit while their kids took their lessons. I started picking out "Spike Driver's Blues" and this longhaired kid in one of the chairs suddenly sat up and looked over at me. Then he got up and approached me smiling and said, "That's Mississippi John Hurt, isn't it?" I nodded. "Sure is," I said, "Spike Driver's Blues." I played the cycle through a couple of times working in some of my more impressive variations and he watched for a while and then said, "That's cool!" So it pays to know your MJH, folks.

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: GUEST,Khandu
Date: 19 Apr 06 - 09:25 PM

Ah, yes, "Spike Driver Blues". One of the songs from the 1928 sessions that made the "pre-discovery" John Hurt a legend. Doc Watson and his son, Merle, considered MJH one of the more phenomenal guitarist they had heard, and they referred to "Spike Driver Blues" when they said it.

Yes, John's ability to stay in one chord throughout a song and keep it interesting is fascinating. "Spike Driver Blues", "Shake That Thing", "Pay Day", all one-chord songs and all maintain interest throughout. It just blows my brain around!

John's variations are incredible. So subtle, one could easily miss them, but they are beautifully placed and they add those special embellishments (I think PoppaGator calls then "wrinkles") that makes John John!

PoppaGator, looking forward to meeting you at the MJH Fest this year!

Ken

Subject: TAB Req. - Cocaine Done Killed My Baby
From: GUEST,Fat Lizard
Date: 18 Feb 07 - 06:05 AM

Does anyone have the TAB for this great little tune?

Thanks

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: The Sandman
Date: 18 Feb 07 - 06:51 AM

now this will surprise you.as iseem to be known as a concertina player.
Iam a great fan of mjh,Ifirst learned Spike drivers blues,When I was 15 on guitar,and along with [got the blues cant be satisfied] still play it today.I now use mjh guitar style on english trad [have a listen to my version of Rounding the Horn in A ].
The use of the pinky for c9 g6 [and G with flattened third in spike drivers blues].,is interesting,apart from the latter,its the pentatonic major idea.
I am not as good as MJH at it,but I bet hed be bowled over to hear english trad,such as burlington fair,adieu sweet nancy, John Blunt,whip jamboree,Bonny Ship Diamond [melody picked]. http://www.dickmiles.com
ps rounding the horn can be heard as aclip ,on the lancaster maritime festival thread at radio liverpool.

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: GUEST,Murray MacLeod
Date: 18 Feb 07 - 12:22 PM

Video of MJH playing "Spike Driver Blues"

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: Roberto
Date: 18 Feb 07 - 12:32 PM

Fat Lizard, I have a TAB for Spike Driver Blues. Let me have your e-mail. R

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: oombanjo
Date: 19 Feb 07 - 06:38 AM

rreeefresh

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: GUEST,Fat Lizard
Date: 19 Feb 07 - 09:12 AM

Thanks Roberto

user [at] fatlizard [.] com [.] au


Do you have Cocaine Killed My Baby

Fat Lizard

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: khandu
Date: 19 Feb 07 - 10:12 PM

Tabs to several Hurt tunes may be found Here.

Several are very close interpretations of Hurt's tunes. Others are "reasonable facsimiles", while others are tabs of various versions of the songs.

Ken

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: Scrump
Date: 20 Feb 07 - 09:29 AM

Sorry to hear about Mississippi John's injury. I hope he recovers soon.

... I'll get me coat.

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: Roberto
Date: 24 Feb 07 - 10:27 AM

Fat Lizard, I've sent you an e-mail right now. R

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: GUEST
Date: 22 May 07 - 03:34 PM

I'd love a tab of Spike Driver Blues

[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: The Sandman
Date: 22 May 07 - 05:55 PM

make a g chord,then g6,to g to g7,its on you tube thats the asiest.

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: PoppaGator
Date: 22 May 07 - 07:26 PM

Check out:

http://www.msjohnhurtmuseum.com/

I've been meaning to attend the 4th-of-July-weekend festival for the last couple of years, but haven't made it yet. Doesn't look good for this year either, but there's still hope.

*************

GUEST, I learned "Spike Driver Blues" from published tablature years ago. It was very probably either an Oak Publications book or one of Stephen Grossman's many excellent instructional works. That much info should help you launch a successful Google search. Everything by Grossman is now available in DVD-plus-booklet format, and he does teach a lot of the MJH repertoire. If "Spike Driver" is not one of the songs he teaches, I know I learned it from some printed source, and if not SG then it was probably Oak; I don't know if all their stuff has been updated to video.

Cpt Birdeye's simple summation is correct as it stands, but you probably need more detail ~ I certainly would. For what is essentially a one-chord song, this number is pretty complicated, or at least subtle.

I haven't seen the YouTube video. If it focuses on the left hand throughout, you might be able to learn everything you need to know.

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: PoppaGator
Date: 23 May 07 - 01:02 PM

The YouTube stuff is GREAT!

Here's a link to John himself playing the tune, filmed in black and white on a "homey" stage set, sitting around a fake kitchen table with Pete Seeger and a couple of other folks. The camera zooms in on both of hands for at least one chorus each, so it could be quite helpful for learning to play the song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6_yV3aX-yk

Once you get to that page, you'll find additional links to many other similar performances by MJH and others, some of them on that same set with Pete and a varying cast of other guests. Most of these film clips (I'm assuming they were shot on film back in the 60s and only recently copied to digital video) include plenty of hands-on-instrument footage; the producers/directors/cameramen knew what the audience wanted!

The footage of "Candyman" is from an afternoon session at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival. (The final few seconds cut away to another performer doing a sound check ~ that's the clue to which festival and which year.) I was part of the audience that day, but can't find my young self in the shots panning the crowd. That particular video is useless for learning to play the song; neither of John's hands are shown even for a second. Just his face and head, and lots of audience-reaction shots.

Watching several of these clips, I realized something I always "knew," but of which I was never fully conscious before: we NEVER see John Hurt without a hat on his head!

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: Wesley S
Date: 23 May 07 - 01:28 PM

"we NEVER see John Hurt without a hat on his head!"

And Geoff Muldaur has noted that you've never seen Mississippi John Hurt and Jimminy Cricket in the same place - So Geoff thinks they are one in the same.

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: GUEST
Date: 29 May 07 - 12:51 PM

Does anyone know where I can find the lyrics to "Somebody else, not me"?

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: C. Ham
Date: 29 May 07 - 03:30 PM

Does anyone know where I can find the lyrics to "Somebody else, not me"?

It's a Bert Williams song, so it's a little off-topic for the Mississippi John Hurt thread.

But the lyrics can be found in the Somebody Else, Not Me thread.

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: lefthanded guitar
Date: 29 May 07 - 05:20 PM

John Hurt is one of my favorites = Jerry garcia did a great rendition of his Louis Collins, but I have been performing songs of his from his double album for decades. i was too young to see him in person, but have loved his music for years it never goes out of style.

btw my personal favorite, Pallet, is a song I have played more than any other song I have played and sung since I first picked up a guitar in my teens. Every few years, a new verse seems to 'emerge' from somehwere, once it was from a mystery book, written in the Boston area and with a mention of Chris Smither in the forward; forgot the name of the book but not the verse.

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: khandu
Date: 29 May 07 - 10:17 PM

PoppaGator, there is a video of MJH playing without his hat!

Unfortunately, it is a silent video!

John Miller has an instructional DVD of MJH tunes which features a 9 minute (appr.) silent video of John filmed in his home in D.C.
MJH is seen, but not heard, playing "Candy Man", "Stagger Lee", "Salty Dog" and more; most of them done without his hat! He finally sends his grandson to fetch his hat.

Though it is silent, it is nonetheless a very wonderful video to watch, though I cannot imagine why anyone would film such a great musician without sound!

It is like viewing the Mona Lisa in black and white!.

k

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: PoppaGator
Date: 30 May 07 - 12:58 AM

Khandu ~ very interesting!

I still wonder if there are even any still photos of a hatless MJH (my guess is that there may not be any), which makes the existence of a "bareheaded" film/video (let along a silent one) just that much more strange. I'm not sure I'd recognize John Hurt without the hat. Is he bald?

FWIW, I think that any "video" dating back to Mr. Hurt's lifetime would have to have been film (perhaps 8mm "home movie" quality) later converted to video.

If it's "instructional," I would hope that the camera focuses on the man's hands. Without sound, it's probably difficult to learn how to play the songs from it no matter how intelligent the camerawork might be.

**************

Are you going to make it to the July 4 weekend festival this year? As noted above, I may well be unable to show up due to family and other issues/complications, but I am holding out hope that it might be possible. I know that, like me, you've wanted to go for the last few years but have not been able to do so yet. It'd be nice if we could both make it one of these years on the same year and meet up!

As the date approaches, and if it looks like I might be able to fit in the trip, I'll need to know where to book a room. I'll probably ask Frank Delaney for advice if it comes to that. Stay in touch...

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: khandu
Date: 01 Jun 07 - 08:35 AM

Poppa,
The "instructional" part of the DVD is done by John Miller. The silent footage is an added bonus. I bought the DVD for the silent footage and was very pleased.
Miller's instructive style is very good. A beginning (yet diligent) guitarist could learn quite easily. (That is to say, the "learning" how to do it is quite easy...the actual playing would still be a challenge!) I have recommended this DVD to several MJH neophytes, and to more advanced players, with mixed results.

Regarding the MJH festival...as usual, it is "iffy". If possible, I will be there. But I have said that for 5 years and have not yet made it.
Greenwood would be your best bet for accomodations. It is the nearest town to the festival and has a number of motels.

BTW...MJH is not bald. He has a full head of closely cropped hair!

ken

Subject: RE: Mississippi John Hurt
From: PoppaGator
Date: 01 Jun 07 - 12:45 PM

Ken (& everyone),

Since July 4 falls on a Wednesday this year ~ exactly in the middle of the week ~ there won't be a "Fourth of July weekend." I just checked the MJH Museum website, and their festival this year will be on Tuesday and Wednesday, 7/3 and 7/4. This probably makes it even more problematic for me to attend the MJH festival than in past years, but anything can happen. We'll see...

****************

lefthanded guitar:

Could you please post lyrics for some of the lesser-known "Pallet" verses you've discovered? I have printed out everything available from the DT (here at the Mudcat site), which includes all the verses ever recorded by MJH plus quite a few others. You could check the DT to see the verses already available, and just post any others you have learned... Please?!?!

I've never sung all these verses, but it's good to have a backlog. Like you, I've been playing this song forever and never seem to get tired of it. It's very enjoyable to play chorus after chorus (especially when you know a variety of different "turnarounds" to pick between verses), and having a bunch of different lyrics available gives you an excuse to stretch a performance out to maximum length.