Mississippi John, Jr??

Subject: Mississippi John, Jr??
From: khandu
Date: 19 Jun 02 - 11:40 PM

In 1975, I visited with Jesse Hurt, last wife of MJH. She allowed me to play John's guitar, which was a grand moment for me. She told me that upon her death, her grandchildren would receive the guitar. She also told me that John "Man" Hurt, Jr. could play like his daddy.

A couple of years ago, I visted the Natchez Trace Museum in Kosciusko, MS, and was pleased to find that there was a small area dedicated to the Mississippi Bluesmen. Both, MJH and MJH, Jr. were listed.

I have researched the 'net for MJH, Jr, and, so far, have found only THIS site, which indicates that "Man" does not play.

About 4 years ago, the "Greenwood (MS) Commonwealth" ran an article about John's first wife, Gertrude. The article provoked a response from "Man", who contradicted many things Gertrude had said. (Gertrude, incidentally, will turn 111 this month!) "Man" was, at that time, living in Detroit.

That is all I know of him.

Do any of you have any info on him? Does he play? If so, has he recorded? Where is he now?

If no one here responds, I will contact some of the Hurt family an my next trip home (Carroll County), and will share any info that I glean.

khandu

Subject: RE: Mississippi John, Jr??
From: GUEST,Mary Katherine
Date: 20 Jun 02 - 10:56 AM

John "Man" Hurt was an advertised performer at the Chicago Blues Festival a few years ago, so more info might be gleaned from their web site or archives, if any?

Interesting about Gertrude Hurt's age; wonder what the connection is between being married to a blues musician and longevity? Mother Annie Davis, widow of Rev. Gary Davis, and Gertrude Fuller, widow of Jesse "Lone Cat" Fuller, both lived to be over 100, though both have now gone on.

Mary Katherine

Subject: RE: Mississippi John, Jr??
From: khandu
Date: 20 Jun 02 - 10:12 PM

Thanks, Mary Katherine, for the lead. I will check it out.

BTW, Gertrude Hurt goes by Gertrude Conley, and lives in Greenwood, MS, a few miles from Avalon, John's "hometown".

I must also specify that , as far as I know, she is still alive. I do know that she celebrated 110 years last June. I have heard nothing of her dying since then.

According to the Greenwood Commonwealth, Gertrude says that, though John later married Jesse, he was never legally divorced from her (Gertrude). Supposedly, John had told his employer that he wanted a divorce, and the employer told John that he would "take care of it". John assumed that the man did take care of it; howbeit, the employer failed to do so. So, John became a bigamist when he married Jesse.

This was never a problem until John's death in 1966, when the royalties of his recordings were up for grabs.

Any one else have any input?

khandu