The Train I Ride $2.52

About The Train I Ride

It has been said, that Mississippi Fred McDowell was so poor, that he could not afford to purchase his own guitar until after he had been playing for twenty years! It can be stated, without qualification, that Fred McDowell is a singer and guitarist of such commanding power and originality, that he must be counted alongside of the leading "Delta Blues" players of all time. He is the master of the bottleneck blues guitar style, applied by other legendary players such as Robert Johnson, Bukka White and Big Joe Williams. All of these players used the guitar as both a melodic and a rhythmic instrument by slapping the body, neck, and strings thereby creating a uniquely American style of music, which has captivated generations of fans.

This album contains many gripping and soulful cuts that have become both rock and blues standards, including Good Morning Little School Girl (later covered by the Yardbirds), Got To Move (covered by The Rolling Stones) and a sizzling version of The Train I Ride (covered by UFO).

These recordings, though sometimes rough due to the limitations of early recording technology, are being presented here because of their historic significance. Some surface noise may appear. This album is a must have for any student or enthusiast of the Delta blues guitar technique.

Fred McDowell was born in Rossville, Tennessee in 1904. By the age of 14 he was playing guitar with a slide made out of a hollowed out steer bone. His parents died when he was young and he took to the road early. He played during the ‘20’s in Memphis, TN., then settled in Como, MS. He continued to farm part-time and play around the area and in front of Stuckey’s candy store.

McDowell never recorded during the 20’s and 30’s and wasn’t “discovered” until 1959. He didn’t switch to electric guitar or significantly modify his style over the years. Like he said…” I do not play no rock and roll”.. Mississippi Fred McDowell passed away in 1972 from cancer at the age of 68.