I was blessed to know Fred McDowell when I was a concert promoter in Seattle in 1970s, I saw him first in 1969 after I returned from Vietnam and it was digging Fred and discovering country blues that saved my life. Fred was a true gentleman with a sardonic, tongue-in-cheek humor. His first album on Arhoolie was with an acoustic guitar and even though he was playing electric in these years, I always thought he sounded best on acoustic, and I have two arch-top F-holes to play this style. Order his first two Arhoolie releases, they are the best!
I am an ex-vet in the french army special forces, I am 50. May I ask you please how old are you ? Are you 80 ? My dad gave me the fever of blues and RNR when I was a child
RIP Dick Waterman, recently dead, he brought these Bluesmen to the attention of the kids in the 60s at Newport etc. Took Mr McDowel’s photo of course, and Son House and Skip James. Most of us Whiteys would have never known what they look and sounded like and how great. I have Mr Waterman’s book signed by him.
There were hundreds of young white men who brought the blues into the US mainstream, I was blessed to be one. Black people had abandoned the blues by the 60s, and as a concert promoter for the Seattle Folklore Society, I was regularly thrown out of Seattles' black radio station, KYAC. Unbelievable ignorant comments here.
@@davisworth5114 Black people didn’t abandon it, the country abandoned them. Bluesmen couldn’t make a penny off their own music. Yes a lot of white acts re-popularized their art form and it benefitted everyone. But it was a disgrace that such an art form had been basically rejected by most Americans. And its a shame it took white acts to “legitimize” a great form of music.
The old gas station sign. He worked at Stuckey’s in Como, Mississippi pumping gas, when I knew him. It amazed him, his bossman and everybody else when he’d get calls from Europe and everywhere else in the world.
He was never famous like BB King, Buddy Guy or Robert Johnson...but the music he created has had just as big of an impact. He's one of the pioneers of Blues and Rock n Roll.
This interview with Fred McDowell contains the quote "I do not play no rock 'n' roll" in context, and its meaning is very different to the scornful way it's often interpreted. Enjoy! www.mtzionmemorialfund.org/2017/09/interview-with-mississippi-fred-mcdowell.html
@@DennisRash Many dont realize black people were not allowed to order via white mail order catalogs. They only has Sears, Jewel and a few others. Being not all electric amps and guitars are high quality this added to their tone. Wealthy men like Tampa Red and Lonnie Johnson were able to own several guitars and amps because their family were in a better financial position than most.
@@DennisRash My fav is Guitar Slim who wrote "the things I used to do" featured the new deluxe sears silvertone amp and solid body guitar as the pair cost a whopping 38.00 researched in a old late 1950s christmas sears catalog.
I'm only 12 years old and I love classical music, blues music, jazz, rock and roll, but rap and trap no. I found Missisipi Mcdowell last month and I love him. My favourite are Louise and You gotta move. i love you Fred
An 18 year old UA-cam music video is in itself a rarity. Let alone the music. Thanks so much for uploading this! Warm greetings from the Netherlands🇳🇱.
That riff just hits straight home, combined with Fred's voice and that echo, it just calls for a beer on the porch, perfect music for the upcountry life here in Thailand.
I first heard Fred's music on a tape I checked out of the library shortly after the death of my father in 1999. I then ended up buying 6 different cds and this music really helped me deal with my dad's passing. Today I listen to a lot of different stuff, but it does'nt get more real than this !!!
I'm trying to remain a bit of a lady. I've always told my kids that people who use certain words just didn't have a very good vocabulary and couldn't express themselves. If I wasn't 'Grandma' and my grandson might not see this, I'd say this was .....awesome@@@@!!!! I'd say this is ##### brilliant! Since I am not giving in to my first response, I have sent a prayer up for this music to NEVER disappear from our lives. Thank you, thank you, thank you. This is a Masterpiece!
This man is truly unique. Just pay attention how his notes played with the guitar match exactly his vocals. In my opinion he is the best. I'm completely in love with his music. Thanks for sharing this, people should wake up one day :)
This riff can go on forever. It haunts the soul until it completely captivates it. And when he sings, his voice is echoing inside my soul, as if it was a memory of a dark dream. He really had some demonic vocals that makes you feel possessed under their spell. I'll pick up guitar just because I want to play like this one day
Duane Allman was awesome, but ol’ Fred was the greatest. On acoustic and electric, he could pull off riffs and rhythms that nobody else could before or after him. He could possibly even give River Johnson a run for his money. But Robert was a different style of Blues, like Duane and Fred. Much respect to the Bluesmen. 🍻 🎸😎👍🏼
This brilliant man redefined "underrated"... you simply cannot imagine the influence he has had, but among those who know, those who wish for the pure.
I was so fortunate to see him perform at the Ash Grove in Los Angeles/West Holllywood back in late 60s. Was my first exposure to Blues .. my dad got us tickets .. After this I was hooked. Love the blues.. and one of my other favorite bands in 70s was Climax Blues Band give them a listen.
I thought there was no life after Robert Johnson. There is. Plenty. Awesome. Whatever troubles you, put on Fred McDowell and your troubles are gone, forgotten. What trouble?
Buddy Guy: "We played for the love of music. Today they play for the love of money." When you listen to Fred there ain't no doubt he's playing for the love of music just like all the Delta bluesmen. Love this version much more than the others.
Real chills, massively powerful. I don't want to play off one bluesman against another but Fred McDowell & Skip James do it for me at least as much as Robert Johnson. John Hurt is the one I love most but country blues is an entirely different musical form. BTW, thanks a million for posting this.
Born in shelby county mississippi, these are the history of blues God rest him in peace,to this day I love your music.Your a Titan, you will always be loved
Mostly just people that look like us. Only our souls are tested by a system of racism that regardless of how sad it might be to you, you still benefit from our pain and misery. R.I.P. George Floyd
I was listening to some old school 80's trash metal. suddenly algorithm brought me here. WTF I'm mesmerized!!! This is amazing!!! I'm in love by Mississippi Fred McDowell's music!!! Why I never heard about him??
i got a live lp by fred called shake em on down live in new york,re released in 1982,its just fred n a bass player in a club its my favorite lp by fred 1 of his last recordings and 1 of his best,its no blag that he is called the best slide guitarist in the history of the blues its a fact,his guitar skills r amazing n capture rawness n emotions 2days blues musicians can never acheive,should b in the hall of fame,tru talent stands out they never sellout,cos they live 4 music,so respect is due
Mississippi Fred should be on radio every day.
Agreed!
This is my great great grandfather. He's a beast.
Seriously?
He is one of the best guitar players ever, up there with Jimi, Eddy, Duane!
You'll be proud man!
He's been my hero ever since l bought my first Fred mc Dowell arhoolie album in 1967.
That's amazing! What a wonderful legacy
that’s a funny comment
I was blessed to know Fred McDowell when I was a concert promoter in Seattle in 1970s, I saw him first in 1969 after I returned from Vietnam and it was digging Fred and discovering country blues that saved my life. Fred was a true gentleman with a sardonic, tongue-in-cheek humor. His first album on Arhoolie was with an acoustic guitar and even though he was playing electric in these years, I always thought he sounded best on acoustic, and I have two arch-top F-holes to play this style. Order his first two Arhoolie releases, they are the best!
I am an ex-vet in the french army special forces, I am 50. May I ask you please how old are you ? Are you 80 ? My dad gave me the fever of blues and RNR when I was a child
Amazing.
40 million videos here, and i finally found the best one
RIP Dick Waterman, recently dead, he brought these Bluesmen to the attention of the kids in the 60s at Newport etc. Took Mr McDowel’s photo of course, and Son House and Skip James. Most of us Whiteys would have never known what they look and sounded like and how great. I have Mr Waterman’s book signed by him.
There were hundreds of young white men who brought the blues into the US mainstream, I was blessed to be one. Black people had abandoned the blues by the 60s, and as a concert promoter for the Seattle Folklore Society, I was regularly thrown out of Seattles' black radio station, KYAC. Unbelievable ignorant comments here.
@@davisworth5114 Son, for someone who claims knowledge you sure sound like a fool
@@davisworth5114 Black people didn’t abandon it, the country abandoned them. Bluesmen couldn’t make a penny off their own music. Yes a lot of white acts re-popularized their art form and it benefitted everyone. But it was a disgrace that such an art form had been basically rejected by most Americans. And its a shame it took white acts to “legitimize” a great form of music.
The old gas station sign. He worked at Stuckey’s in Como, Mississippi pumping gas, when I knew him. It amazed him, his bossman and everybody else when he’d get calls from Europe and everywhere else in the world.
You knew him personally??
He was never famous like BB King, Buddy Guy or Robert Johnson...but the music he created has had just as big of an impact. He's one of the pioneers of Blues and Rock n Roll.
domcha131 And people talk about Elvis...pfff
AMEN!!!!! He shovels the road for it!!
This interview with Fred McDowell contains the quote "I do not play no rock 'n' roll" in context, and its meaning is very different to the scornful way it's often interpreted. Enjoy!
www.mtzionmemorialfund.org/2017/09/interview-with-mississippi-fred-mcdowell.html
BB would’ve told you, he wouldn’t have been playing blues if it weren’t for men like him.
Monster of blues, BAD mtf
The fact that this song has over half a million views gives me faith in humanity. Fred was fucking cool.
boatstrips He was an expert pure music no stage gimmicks people like him inspired Keith Richards and Jimi-they inspired us
Now at a million and counting :)
Excellent Performance by Master Mcdowell!
1.2M now
@@carlosgood-day2983 been ten years lol
Fred McDowell is the man...Givin people soul shivers since 1941.
Fred McDowell was, is, and forever will be a legend in blues, hail to the king
Just saying, Heil in German is said Hail (Hitler).
Jamall
Man that's a mean riff. It's dark, haunting and as big and heavy as a freight train.
Freight Train Blues, another great Fred McDowell song.
So was the way men like this were treated back then, not much has changed R.I.P. George Floyd
Only Fred could make it sound this way on a electric. I agree with everything you said.
@@DennisRash Many dont realize black people were not allowed to order via white mail order catalogs. They only has Sears, Jewel and a few others. Being not all electric amps and guitars are high quality this added to their tone. Wealthy men like Tampa Red and Lonnie Johnson were able to own several guitars and amps because their family were in a better financial position than most.
@@DennisRash My fav is Guitar Slim who wrote "the things I used to do" featured the new deluxe sears silvertone amp and solid body guitar as the pair cost a whopping 38.00 researched in a old late 1950s christmas sears catalog.
I'm only 12 years old and I love classical music, blues music, jazz, rock and roll, but rap and trap no. I found Missisipi Mcdowell last month and I love him. My favourite are Louise and You gotta move. i love you Fred
I been playing blues for decades and "hill country" for the last 10 or 15 and Fred McDowell is the best of them all...
Bob Harrison 3 years removed...how did you get started playing blues?
I agree. Fred is the ultimate.
Yes yes yes.
...with R.L. Burnside running a close 2nd!
@@scottgroth9877 Went to Blues Week in 2000 and took Sparky Rucker's slide guitar class... Then made two pilgrimages in Mississippi...
I'm a heavy metal fan through and through but something about this style of blues really speaks to me. One of my favs for sure.
Grendel2771 Same for me, that's a blues that moves me. Extremely simple and 100% effective.
Well there is classical and folk elements in metal, so I wouldn't say all of it's the blues, just partly.
Does your liking of blues have anything to do with Mashed Potato Johnson?
Metal heads seem to be the only faction of music fans that can sit and appreciate any type of music. Respect
Tom H
Not true, I like any music but metal... So here you go...
You can't get a cooler man or cooler music than this
Never forgot the first time I heard him. I was blown away. He just had something that no other bluesmen had.
Pure legend. Love you Freddy McDowell. I was born 1971, but i'll make sure you're never forgotten !!
An 18 year old UA-cam music video is in itself a rarity. Let alone the music. Thanks so much for uploading this!
Warm greetings from the Netherlands🇳🇱.
That riff just hits straight home, combined with Fred's voice and that echo, it just calls for a beer on the porch, perfect music for the upcountry life here in Thailand.
+bannork Hey.....what are you doing in Thailand ? ...I love the place .
One night I sat and drank myself wasted and saw this video ..on replay whole night very beautiful and comforting
One of the most beautiful tunes ive ever had the pleasure of hearing. This man , simply brilliant. What a gift to our great nation 🇺🇸
I first heard Fred's music on a tape I checked out of the library shortly after the death of my father in 1999. I then ended up buying 6 different cds and this music really helped me deal with my dad's passing. Today I listen to a lot of different stuff, but it does'nt get more real than this !!!
Beautiful. Masterful. What a consummate artist he was.
I'm trying to remain a bit of a lady. I've always told my kids that people who use certain words just didn't have a very good vocabulary and couldn't express themselves. If I wasn't 'Grandma' and my grandson might not see this, I'd say this was .....awesome@@@@!!!! I'd say this is ##### brilliant! Since I am not giving in to my first response, I have sent a prayer up for this music to NEVER disappear from our lives. Thank you, thank you, thank you. This is a Masterpiece!
On some quiet day 10 years ago, kid-me randomly decided to search "Going down to the river" and came across this gem.
I listen to this song at least once everyday!!! I love it!
I'm on it 3 times in a row at least 3 times a day. Cant stop myself.
Me 2!
MAN, I REALLY LOVE THE WAY HE PLAYS THE BLUES !!! ... BOTH HIS GUITAR PLAYING AND SINGING VOICE ARE PERFECT !!!
THANK YOU .
One my major inspirations.
That's one of the most beautiful and haunting riffs I've ever heard.. Amazing song
This man is truly unique. Just pay attention how his notes played with the guitar match exactly his vocals. In my opinion he is the best. I'm completely in love with his music. Thanks for sharing this, people should wake up one day :)
the man is a legend forever.
my humble homage to Mississippi Fred McDowell.
This riff can go on forever. It haunts the soul until it completely captivates it. And when he sings, his voice is echoing inside my soul, as if it was a memory of a dark dream. He really had some demonic vocals that makes you feel possessed under their spell. I'll pick up guitar just because I want to play like this one day
The greatest slide blues guitarist. Man, he could groove.
i agree. greatest slide bluesman ever
Duane Allman was awesome, but ol’ Fred was the greatest. On acoustic and electric, he could pull off riffs and rhythms that nobody else could before or after him. He could possibly even give River Johnson a run for his money. But Robert was a different style of Blues, like Duane and Fred. Much respect to the Bluesmen. 🍻
🎸😎👍🏼
@@epicoutdoorracin2010 so true 🤘🙏
Elmore James usually is attributed with that title---but Fred was great as well.
World need more music like this. World need more soul, more BLUES
Can anyone imagine what it would be like to listen to this type of music alone in a dark room? I'll bet there'll be some serious chills.
I do that once in a while. It's like going back in time. A great experience.
im literally was 2 years old when u commented ☠️☠️
@@aimanhakim4775👶
The man had it all. What a powerful voice and a face that looks like it done some hard livin and travelin . Killer guitar riffs to.
When I think blues, this is the song I think of. It's wonderful.
the blues had a baby and they called it rock&roll
This brilliant man redefined "underrated"... you simply cannot imagine the influence he has had, but among those who know, those who wish for the pure.
I was so fortunate to see him perform at the Ash Grove in Los Angeles/West Holllywood back in late 60s. Was my first exposure to Blues .. my dad got us tickets .. After this I was hooked. Love the blues.. and one of my other favorite bands in 70s was Climax Blues Band give them a listen.
xjaidlyn quelle chance de l’avoir vu jouer ! Comment était-il ? Tu as pu l’approcher ?
A beautiful record (and a great clip of the man himself) - brilliant accoustic guitar playing and his voice at its powerful best.
All-American 🇺🇲
Listening from South Africa 🇿🇦
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
There is something very special in his singing and guitar playing that you feel as if you are listening to a complete band/orchestra playing along.
For me This is The Ultimate Blues!
Brother McDowell. Passed on my birthday but left a spark of light that can`t be dimmed! Reaches something of the eternal.
This genius never got the true recognition he deserved/s, awe inspiring, soulful, meaningful, when I hear him sing I believe what he has to say.
Absolutely love him.and his music
What a riff . What a solo. What a player!
Looks like a clip from the 1965 American Folk Blues Festival on German TV. Great to see this footage of Fred on acoustic back after all these years.
I thought there was no life after Robert Johnson. There is. Plenty. Awesome. Whatever troubles you, put on Fred McDowell and your troubles are gone, forgotten. What trouble?
This guy is the real deal, he's one of the founders of the blues. Anyone who claims to like blues and doesn't like this guy is foolin' themselves!
The ROOTS OF ALL MUSIC
from a 52 year old UK TEDDY BOY ❤❤❤
WRONG
Until a few minutes ago I only heard Mississippi John Hurt. To find another Mississippi in the same groove has made my day awesome.
Thank you...
..one of the greatest players and one of the best moments in blues..
Beautiful, haunting, soul-restoring.
Jesus he can play (and sing)! Definitely one of my favourites.
Love the Delta blues, what a wonderful voice Fred had too, powerful and expressive.
This is HOLY. Its been said that blues started and ended with this performance!
I won’t be the first and I won’t be the last to say it. Music back then was at a higher level.
For sure the king of blues in my book. Got style of his. Own
one of the best blues performances caught on film
Buddy Guy: "We played for the love of music. Today they play for the love of money."
When you listen to Fred there ain't no doubt he's playing for the love of music just like all the Delta bluesmen. Love this version much more than the others.
HILL COUNTRY NOT DELTA BLUES
@@ronbobele8996 he said "just like" mister professor.
@@ronbobele8996 delta blues.
@@Yourbankaccount Mississippi Hill Country Blues.
Funny you quoted Buddy Guy. Guy ain't on the chitlin circuit. Buddy's been chasing the money for decades.
Jesus Christ. this is absolutely incredible
He's been haunting me since the first time i heard of him...spooky kind of legend...
It really doesn't get better than this...
Wow! Absolutely fantastic, you can't get more authentic than this.
He's brilliant....what a treasure!!!!
straight from the soul...just like music was ment to be.
There is something that hits home listening to this. One man one guitar and a whole lot of talent.
I could listen to this every day...and never get tired of it....
This is a beautiful thing.
Fred has brought me through hard times, thank you
Of the best blues performances caught on film
Down home music at it's roots. Great stuff!!!!
Damn, Freddie knows his blues! guitar solo 1.15. Amazing! one of the best blues songs I have ever heard!!
Real chills, massively powerful. I don't want to play off one bluesman against another but Fred McDowell & Skip James do it for me at least as much as Robert Johnson. John Hurt is the one I love most but country blues is an entirely different musical form. BTW, thanks a million for posting this.
Don't forget Crapper Blakwell, Lonnie Johnson and a few others.
@@Methilde Lightnin' Hopkins!
@@rievans57 So many greats one, we could play ping-pong for hours with their names :) :)
Rock and roll guitar. Blues is the very foundation of Rock and Roll. Fred McDowell needs to be in the Blues and Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame.
best version of this song
The roots of Americas Music history
Born in shelby county mississippi, these are the history of blues God rest him in peace,to this day I love your music.Your a Titan, you will always be loved
Bonnie Raitt learned at his feet. He is the Master.
The man was, and still is a genius.
That playing and singing, heartfelt and painfully experienced - Beautiful.
Mississippi Hill Country baby!!!
This really gives me goosebumps.
Me 2!
Excelente interpretacion. Es una canción para escuchar muchas veces. Se constituye un icono del blues americano. Gracias por este regalo Mr. Dowell.
I have to play a gig tomorrow in a trump friendly area. Fuck it I'm singing this kind if blues all night bc this is MAGIC. Ty Mr. McDowell!
🖕🏾 Trump and hail to the blues giants.🎸🗡️🔪🍸🥃🍷🍾🥂🍻🍺
Not a lot of the greats left today, but thank god we have young ones that are carrying the torch
True American music that cannot be beaten.
Fantastic Blues Man, Bonnie Rait always loved Fred.
This is real music, who cares what the critics say?
You have a bunch of them at the top of the page...44 at the time of this reply.
Obviously you do, otherwise you wouldn't have questioned it? idiota.
one of the greatest pieces of music I've ever heard. From the soul, a classic
Me 2!
Real, raw blues. Wonderful.
this is the s*@t right here. human soul laid bare and honest.
Mostly just people that look like us. Only our souls are tested by a system of racism that regardless of how sad it might be to you, you still benefit from our pain and misery. R.I.P. George Floyd
stunning and hauntingly beautiful
Truly truly amazing, stunning
This is the best rendition of this song I've heard him do, flows so beautifully, plus the guitar work is next level
I was listening to some old school 80's trash metal.
suddenly algorithm brought me here.
WTF
I'm mesmerized!!!
This is amazing!!!
I'm in love by Mississippi Fred McDowell's music!!!
Why I never heard about him??
i got a live lp by fred called shake em on down live in new york,re released in 1982,its just fred n a bass player in a club its my favorite lp by fred 1 of his last recordings and 1 of his best,its no blag that he is called the best slide guitarist in the history of the blues its a fact,his guitar skills r amazing n capture rawness n emotions 2days blues musicians can never acheive,should b in the hall of fame,tru talent stands out they never sellout,cos they live 4 music,so respect is due
Man...when Fred hits those slide notes I feel like I'm on a peak and in the valley. Best rollercoaster ride ever!
Jesus Christ this cat could sing !!! Goosebumps. What a treat.