Saw him play approx 1969/70 at a folk club in Farnham, Surrey,UK....Life changed for me after that..Outstanding.

For me, its Elmore James. Greatest slide guitarist ever & his voice could cut stainless steel. 🔥🎙️🔥

Has full command of the instrument

I think it’s so important that the titles said his style is “highly typical of the Delta Blues style.” While I in no way refute his talent and genius, it’s probable a bunch of guys down at the town store played the same. This was before the mythology of “having to invent yourself” crept into American thought. People did what their people did - and some were genius about it.

I'm black transgender muslim. It's very important.

@@nicolausteslaus sike

I am the most unlikely from all to like this and yet i love this music! I am a white Romanian. There is no other kind of Romanian but I said I should add that😂👍

@@vintagepipesnightmares Aren't Romanians the same as gypsies?

That's what I've been saying all along too.

Gravitas is swagger

The beauty of recorded music, it's never too late to jump in

I'm so sorry. I already gave my nieces my copy of "I Do Not Play No Rock 'n' Roll." Buy it, buy more than one because you will want to give it away. It's similar to "Our Band Could Be your Life"

He's not underestimated by those familiar with the blues.

If you know you know ❤

you know something.. you're right :)

Isn't crazy how you can jump back in time and listen to this unbelievably amazing music

This was recorded at KCTS Public TV on the Univ. of Washington campus, those doing the recordings were ethnomusicologists in the Music Dept. Fred played in Seattle many times, he was a great person, humorous, fun loving and a true gentleman. I was blessed to be a part of this scene when I came back from Vietnam, it was hearing Fred that I realized I could put my war experience and terrible "homecoming" into the context of the Blues.

Lone player like hank William's sr. Yes!

Yeah he’s the rhythm section too

Less is often better

Hey Mikey No it sure doesn't...old ways ...always so damn good...give ya feelins in ya gut ..I'm seein the real deal HERE! PAOLO

A virtuoso

Got. it. I was purchasing his Folkways Smithsonian recording when I was 15 years old back in 1969. Still moves me.

I was at that show too. Fantastic.

​@@harveybernstein5683holy $hit! And I thought I was blessed seeing Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee open for BB King at the Ivanhoe Theater in Chicago '78?

You lucky sod

The Jolly Horses i know, like how did he do that? Its amazing

He's Robert Johnson reborn for the electric guitar

You can't make me not look at the screen when this man is playing. I'm glued.

@@fredrikdahlin7869 Fred's acoustic recordings are better IMHO, I've seen him play both.

It is one guitar and all that's actually needed

or perhaps one may have exchanged said soul for a similar musical prowess exhibited here..... just sayin'... it IS the blues after all!

Or no spine.

Making it look effortless

Real man

He worked at a gas station too because he liked it. His friends were there. And it was his office. Bless his soul.

I agree completely. I first heard him in 1972, the year he died, and I've loved his music ever since. Not the most influential bluesman ever, but arguably the greatest. 43 years later and he is still sending shivers down my spine!

+Dave Brokenshire Maybe you haven't heard of the Stones album Sticky Fingers, covering You gotta move. Not to mention the fact this man practically invented Hill Country blues, teaching the likes of R. L. Burnside and Junior Kimbrough what the blues is all about. This man was pivotal to the evolution of modern blues, and without him The Black Keys, White Stripes and many other great bands would probably never happen. He was one of the most influential bluesmen, although like many other greats, never knew real commercial success during his lifetime (or afterwards, for that matter).

Is true he never got aculaudes he deserved

Not just a great bluesman but also a great guitarist.

Whit Ives i agree, how does he keep that thumpin beat going the whole time? An absolute master

I believe by what i know about him..that he considered himself more of a farmer than a musician.

Fred McDowell wasn't blind.

Owh isomebody told me he was blind.I am sorry but he was real amazing awesome.I love to hear him , i have a lot of respect for fred McDowell.A pitty that i can,t hear him live anymore but in the past what i hear is only such a great and beautifull blues the way he played was pure and honest.Thank you for the correctie.Fine sunday and all of you here.

You might be thinking of "Blind Willie McTell"

He was not blind!

open E