Big Boss Man: The Life and Music of Bluesman Jimmy Reed - Softcover

Romano, Will

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0879308788 ISBN 13: 9780879308780

Publisher: BACKBEAT, 2006

Synopsis

Takes a comprehensive look at one of the greatest and most popular bluesmen of all time, Jimmy Reed. From 'The Hell Hole of the Delta', where he was born and raised, to 'Death Valley', a part of South Chicago where he worked the iron mills, his growth as a person and professional musician is chronicled.

About this title

Synopsis:

"Big Boss Man" is a comprehensive look at one of the greatest and most popular bluesmen of all time. His best-known songs have become an integral part of the standard blues repertoire. He pioneered a musical style that proved to be enormously successful and influential, both with middle-aged blacks and young white audiences during the 50's and 60's. From "The Hell Hole of the Delta", where he was born and raised, to "Death Valley", a part of South Chicago where he worked the iron mills, his growth as a person and professional musician is chronicled. His success at Vee-Jay records, where he outsold contemporaries such as Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Elmore James, and Little Walter, and the demise of this legendary label are examined in depth. Finally, the sad tale of his deteriorating physical and mental health, made worse by rampant alcoholism and undiagnosed epilepsy, and his tragic "comeback" bid, are recounted in heartfelt detail by those who knew him best and were with him until the end.

About the Author:

Romano has written for magazines such as Guitar Player, Bass Player, Modern Drummer, and Blues Revue, as well as for publications such as the New York Post and New York Daily News.

About this edition

• Publisher: BACKBEAT
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0879308788
• ISBN 13: 9780879308780
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 370