This is my great great grandfather. He's a beast.

@brian666belcher1975

2 жыл бұрын

Seriously?

@johnvanhorn2553

2 жыл бұрын

He is one of the best guitar players ever, up there with Jimi, Eddy, Duane!

@merkjanoosterhoff1590

2 жыл бұрын

You'll be proud man! He's been my hero ever since l bought my first Fred mc Dowell arhoolie album in 1967.

@pinschermamm

2 жыл бұрын

That's amazing! What a wonderful legacy

@mundproduction6578

2 жыл бұрын

that’s a funny comment

Mississippi Fred should be on radio every day.

@rievans57

Жыл бұрын

Agreed!

40 million videos here, and i finally found the best one

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.

@chrismoede2885

Ай бұрын

You knew him personally??

Man that's a mean riff. It's dark, haunting and as big and heavy as a freight train.

@inoshikachokonoyarobakayar2493

5 жыл бұрын

Freight Train Blues, another great Fred McDowell song.

@BlindMellowJellyInc

3 жыл бұрын

So was the way men like this were treated back then, not much has changed R.I.P. George Floyd

@DennisRash

3 жыл бұрын

Only Fred could make it sound this way on a electric. I agree with everything you said.

@BlindMellowJellyInc

3 жыл бұрын

@@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.

@BlindMellowJellyInc

3 жыл бұрын

@@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.

The fact that this song has over half a million views gives me faith in humanity. Fred was fucking cool.

@joejordanism

4 жыл бұрын

boatstrips He was an expert pure music no stage gimmicks people like him inspired Keith Richards and Jimi-they inspired us

@rollycabrita8129

4 жыл бұрын

Now at a million and counting :)

@vincentbuccieri9305

6 ай бұрын

Excellent Performance by Master Mcdowell!

@carlosgood-day2983

4 ай бұрын

1.2M now

@boatstrips

4 ай бұрын

@@carlosgood-day2983 been ten years lol

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.

@yared8771

6 жыл бұрын

domcha131 And people talk about Elvis...pfff

@pozegausaill

6 жыл бұрын

AMEN!!!!! He shovels the road for it!!

@DonDeering

5 жыл бұрын

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

@catdaddy3302

5 жыл бұрын

BB would’ve told you, he wouldn’t have been playing blues if it weren’t for men like him.

@rafaeld.2554

5 жыл бұрын

Monster of blues, BAD mtf

Fred McDowell is the man...Givin people soul shivers since 1941.

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'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.

@magicalxan

9 жыл бұрын

Grendel2771 Same for me, that's a blues that moves me. Extremely simple and 100% effective.

@mons3020

8 жыл бұрын

Well there is classical and folk elements in metal, so I wouldn't say all of it's the blues, just partly.

@bobbymcearlton

8 жыл бұрын

Does your liking of blues have anything to do with Mashed Potato Johnson?

@thomasharlovic7470

8 жыл бұрын

Metal heads seem to be the only faction of music fans that can sit and appreciate any type of music. Respect

@magicalxan

8 жыл бұрын

Tom H Not true, I like any music but metal... So here you go...

Fred McDowell was, is, and forever will be a legend in blues, hail to the king

@Methilde

3 жыл бұрын

Just saying, Heil in German is said Hail (Hitler).

@crowsnest1510

Жыл бұрын

Jamall

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!

You can't get a cooler man or cooler music than this

I been playing blues for decades and "hill country" for the last 10 or 15 and Fred McDowell is the best of them all...

@scottgroth9877

5 жыл бұрын

Bob Harrison 3 years removed...how did you get started playing blues?

@LaurenceHuntKenora_Ontario

4 жыл бұрын

I agree. Fred is the ultimate.

@thecowboypreacher6568

2 жыл бұрын

Yes yes yes.

@rievans57

Жыл бұрын

...with R.L. Burnside running a close 2nd!

@bobnpvine

Жыл бұрын

@@scottgroth9877 Went to Blues Week in 2000 and took Sparky Rucker's slide guitar class... Then made two pilgrimages in Mississippi...

On some quiet day 10 years ago, kid-me randomly decided to search "Going down to the river" and came across this gem.

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.

@drumfansdirect422

8 жыл бұрын

+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

The greatest slide blues guitarist. Man, he could groove.

@hitchvvv8583

4 жыл бұрын

i agree. greatest slide bluesman ever

@epicoutdoorracin2010

2 жыл бұрын

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. 🍻 🎸😎👍🏼

@fatknucklefreddy

2 жыл бұрын

@@epicoutdoorracin2010 so true 🤘🙏

@roberttompkins6489

2 жыл бұрын

Elmore James usually is attributed with that title---but Fred was great as well.

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.

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.

@davenewspeak3252

10 ай бұрын

I do that once in a while. It's like going back in time. A great experience.

@aimanhakim4775

10 ай бұрын

im literally was 2 years old when u commented ☠️☠️

@fathergascoigne4609

3 ай бұрын

​@@aimanhakim4775👶

Beautiful. Masterful. What a consummate artist he was.

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 !!!

For me This is The Ultimate Blues!

Jesus Christ. this is absolutely incredible

the man is a legend forever. my humble homage to Mississippi Fred McDowell.

The ROOTS OF ALL MUSIC from a 52 year old UK TEDDY BOY ❤❤❤

@billgonzales8978

2 ай бұрын

WRONG

When I think blues, this is the song I think of. It's wonderful.

One of the most beautiful tunes ive ever had the pleasure of hearing. This man , simply brilliant. What a gift to our great nation 🇺🇸

That's one of the most beautiful and haunting riffs I've ever heard.. Amazing song

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!

MAN, I REALLY LOVE THE WAY HE PLAYS THE BLUES !!! ... BOTH HIS GUITAR PLAYING AND SINGING VOICE ARE PERFECT !!! THANK YOU .

@UltimatePowa

5 жыл бұрын

One my major inspirations.

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 :)

Pure legend. Love you Freddy McDowell. I was born 1971, but i'll make sure you're never forgotten !!

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

World need more music like this. World need more soul, more BLUES

I listen to this song at least once everyday!!! I love it!

@garysvan

4 жыл бұрын

I'm on it 3 times in a row at least 3 times a day. Cant stop myself.

@rievans57

Жыл бұрын

Me 2!

There is something that hits home listening to this. One man one guitar and a whole lot of talent.

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.

I won’t be the first and I won’t be the last to say it. Music back then was at a higher level.

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.

@davisworth5114

3 ай бұрын

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.

@charleshendrix232

3 ай бұрын

@@davisworth5114 Son, for someone who claims knowledge you sure sound like a fool

@charleshendrix232

3 ай бұрын

@@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 Blues is not about playing it to make you feel better. Its about making them feel bad just as much as you.

@soufside2197

Ай бұрын

Say it again for the one's in the back bluesman are the sith jazz players are jedi

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.

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.

@ronbobele8996

4 жыл бұрын

HILL COUNTRY NOT DELTA BLUES

@Methilde

3 жыл бұрын

@@ronbobele8996 he said "just like" mister professor.

@Yourbankaccount

Жыл бұрын

​@@ronbobele8996 delta blues.

@sleeperino3054

9 ай бұрын

@@Yourbankaccount Mississippi Hill Country Blues.

@zoso1980

7 ай бұрын

Funny you quoted Buddy Guy. Guy ain't on the chitlin circuit. Buddy's been chasing the money for decades.

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.

@alexandre210613

5 жыл бұрын

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.

It really doesn't get better than this...

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.

The roots of Americas Music history

What a riff . What a solo. What a player!

Jesus he can play (and sing)! Definitely one of my favourites.

one of the best blues performances caught on film

This is a beautiful thing.

This is HOLY. Its been said that blues started and ended with this performance!

The man was, and still is a genius.

All-American 🇺🇲 Listening from South Africa 🇿🇦 ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

..one of the greatest players and one of the best moments in blues..

This really gives me goosebumps.

@rievans57

Жыл бұрын

Me 2!

Beautiful, haunting, soul-restoring.

straight from the soul...just like music was ment to be.

Absolutely love him.and his music

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...

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?

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.

Of the best blues performances caught on film

This is real music, who cares what the critics say?

@clevelandastwood5584

5 жыл бұрын

You have a bunch of them at the top of the page...44 at the time of this reply.

@DJTrickiMusic

4 жыл бұрын

Obviously you do, otherwise you wouldn't have questioned it? idiota.

He's brilliant....what a treasure!!!!

Brother McDowell. Passed on my birthday but left a spark of light that can`t be dimmed! Reaches something of the eternal.

For sure the king of blues in my book. Got style of his. Own

Wow! Absolutely fantastic, you can't get more authentic than this.

best version of this song

I could listen to this every day...and never get tired of it....

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.

@Methilde

3 жыл бұрын

Don't forget Crapper Blakwell, Lonnie Johnson and a few others.

@rievans57

Жыл бұрын

@@Methilde Lightnin' Hopkins!

@Methilde

Жыл бұрын

@@rievans57 So many greats one, we could play ping-pong for hours with their names :) :)

Love the Delta blues, what a wonderful voice Fred had too, powerful and expressive.

this is the s*@t right here. human soul laid bare and honest.

@BlindMellowJellyInc

3 жыл бұрын

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

Down home music at it's roots. Great stuff!!!!

True American music that cannot be beaten.

Mississippi Hill Country baby!!!

stunning and hauntingly beautiful

the buzz in the guitar makes it so much more real too

Son of a bitch this is good.

Real, raw blues. Wonderful.

Damn, Freddie knows his blues! guitar solo 1.15. Amazing! one of the best blues songs I have ever heard!!

He's been haunting me since the first time i heard of him...spooky kind of legend...

That struck my heart.... powerful.

Absolutely incredible - no other word for it.

I agree, this is so pure an untainted. A man and his guitar just playing so beautifully and with so much passion as though his life depended on it. If someone did this on one of those non-talent shows that I cannot bring myself to mention, the so called expert judges would have no idea what it was and would probably wonder what on earth that strange wooden thing with strings was.

gorgeous. one of my fave artists.

That playing and singing, heartfelt and painfully experienced - Beautiful.

Beautiful!

this is absolutely incredible. this video gives me a haunting feeling. I believe Mr. McDowell has seen a thing or two in his day.

Simply Flawless!

Incredible! That's music from soul!!

Truly truly amazing, stunning

So strong, so beautiful!

wow....this is unreal. Big blues sound. thank you.

Musical perfection, pure and mesmerizing..

Such a clear recording! Wonderful. Thank you.

Wow, absolutely beautiful!

Thank you so much for bosting this. It's like letting cool water flow over one's soul. Added to a couple of my playlists; wonderful. Thanks again.

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.