Mathis James “Jimmy” Reed (September 6, 1925 – August 29, 1976) was an American blues guitarist and harmonica player and songwriter from Dunleith, Mississippi. He learned to play the harmonica and guitar from a close friend, Eddie Taylor. Reed spent several years busking and performing in Dunleith, and was drafted into the US Navy during World War II in 1943. Two years later when he was discharged, he married his girlfriend, Mary “Mama” Reed, who appears as an uncredited background singer on many of his songs. This blues guitarist signed with Vee-Jay Records and in 1958 released his first hit record, “You Don’t Have to Go,” which was then followed by a long string of hits.
Top 5 Songs
Bright Lights Big City
Big Boss Man
Ain’t That Lovin’ You
Baby What You Want Me to Do
Honest I Do
Top 3 Albums
I’m Jimmy Reed
The Legend: The Man
Blues Is My Business
Discography
Selected Albums
1958: I’m Jimmy Reed
1959: Rockin’ With Reed (Collectables)
1960: Found Love
1960: Now Appearing
1961: Jimmy Reed at Carnegie Hall
1962: Just Jimmy Reed
1963: Jimmy Reed Plays 12 String Guitar Blues
1963: Jimmy Reed Sings the Best of the Blues
1963: T’Ain’t No Big Thing But He Is… Jimmy Reed
1964: Jimmy Reed at Soul City
1965: The Legend: The Man
1967: The New Jimmy Reed Album/Soulin’
1968: Big Boss Man/Down in Virginia
1971: Found Love
1974: Best of Jimmy Reed
1976: Blues Is My Business
Charted Singles
1956: Ain’t That Lovin’ You Baby
1956: Can’t Stand to See You Go
1956: I Don’t Go for That
1956: I Love You Baby
1957: Honest I Do
1957: Honey, Where You Going?
1957: Little Rain
1957: The Sun is Shining
1958: Down in Virginia
1959: I Told You Baby
1960: Baby What You Want Me to Do
1960: Found Love
1960: Hush-Hush
1961: Big Boss Man
1961: Bright Lights, Big City
1961: Close Together
1962: Aw Shucks, Hush Your Mouth
1962: Good Lover
1963: Shame, Shame, Sham
