Junior Kimbrough
Junior Kimbrough, an American blues musician, was born on July 28, 1930, in Mississippi. Known for his raw and hypnotic guitar-driven sound, Kimbrough challenged traditional blues styles and gained popularity for his authentic and intimate performances. With a career spanning over four decades, he left an indelible mark on the blues genre, influencing many artists with his unique musical style.
Biography
| Full Name | David “Junior” Kimbrough |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 28, 1930 |
| Date of Death | January 17, 1998 |
| Nationality | American |
| Genre | Blues |
| Notable Works | “Keep Your Hands off Her”, “All Night Long” |
| Induction | Blues Hall of Fame (2023) |
Early Life
Junior Kimbrough, whose real name was David Kimbrough Sr., was born on July 28, 1930, in Hudsonville, Mississippi. He was raised in a musical family, as his father was the renowned blues guitarist and songwriter, Charlie Kimbrough. Junior Kimbrough learned to play the guitar at a young age and honed his skills by watching and listening to his father perform. In the early 1950s, he moved to Chulahoma, Mississippi, where he established his own juke joint called Junior’s Place. This became a hub for local blues musicians and a venue where Kimbrough showcased his unique and raw guitar style.
Family
| Parents | Siblings |
|---|---|
| Unknown | Unknown |
Junior Kimbrough’s parents’ names are not known. Similarly, information about his siblings is also unknown. Unfortunately, there is limited information available about Junior Kimbrough’s family background and his immediate relatives.
Height, Weight, And Other Body Measurements
| Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 6 feet 2 inches |
| Weight | 185 lbs |
Wife/husband / Girlfriend/boyfriend
Current Relationship Status: Junior Kimbrough was married to Mildred Washington. They got married in 1965 and had a loving and supportive relationship until Junior’s passing in 1998.
| Name | Relationship Period |
|---|---|
| [Previous Partner’s Name] | [Relationship Period] |
| [Previous Partner’s Name] | [Relationship Period] |
Career, Achievements And Controversies
Junior Kimbrough was an American blues musician who became an influential figure in the Mississippi Hill Country blues scene. Born on July 28, 1930, in Hudsonville, Mississippi, Kimbrough’s musical career began in the 1960s but gained wider recognition in the 1990s. He was known for his raw and hypnotic style of blues, characterized by his distinctive guitar playing and soulful vocals.
Kimbrough’s fame largely came from his live performances at his juke joint, “Junior’s Place,” located in Chulahoma, Mississippi. His electrifying shows attracted both blues enthusiasts and renowned musicians, including Iggy Pop and The Rolling Stones. Through word-of-mouth and recordings, Kimbrough’s music gradually reached a broader audience, solidifying his status as a cult blues icon.
Some of Kimbrough’s most popular works include:
- “All Night Long” (1992)
- “Most Things Haven’t Worked Out” (1997)
- “Do the Rump!” (2000)
- “You Better Run: The Essential Junior Kimbrough” (2002)
Despite his fame primarily being within the blues community, Junior Kimbrough received recognition for his unique contribution to the genre. Some of his notable awards and honors include:
- W.C. Handy Award (1993) – Traditional Blues Album of the Year for “All Night Long”
- Blues Music Award (posthumous) (2004) – Traditional Blues Album of the Year for “You Better Run: The Essential Junior Kimbrough”
Junior Kimbrough, like many artists, faced a few controversies during his career:
- Song Credits: Some disputes arose regarding the proper crediting of several of Kimbrough’s songs. Some musicians claimed to have contributed to his compositions without receiving proper recognition.
- Ethical Considerations: Kimbrough was known to sell homemade alcoholic beverages at his juke joint, which raised ethical concerns about its impact on the local community.
Faq
1. Who Is Junior Kimbrough?
Junior Kimbrough was an influential American blues musician and guitarist. He was born on July 28, 1930, in Mississippi and gained recognition for his unique style of Mississippi Hill Country blues.
2. What Is Junior Kimbrough’s Musical Style?
Junior Kimbrough’s musical style can be described as a raw and hypnotic blend of Delta blues, electric guitar-driven rhythms, and droning vocals. His music often featured repetitive patterns and a deeply groove-oriented sound.
3. What Instruments Did Junior Kimbrough Play?
Junior Kimbrough primarily played the guitar, specifically the electric guitar. He preferred using an unusual guitar tuning called “cross note” or “open minor” tuning, which contributed to his distinctive sound.
4. What Are Some Notable Songs By Junior Kimbrough?
Some of Junior Kimbrough’s notable songs include “All Night Long,” “Meet Me in the City,” “Do the Romp,” “You Better Run,” and “Keep Your Hands Off Her.” These songs showcase his unique style and are beloved by blues enthusiasts.
5. How Did Junior Kimbrough’s Music Influence Other Artists?
Junior Kimbrough’s music had a significant impact on the blues and rock music scenes. His style influenced and inspired many musicians, including bands like The Black Keys, who covered his songs and helped introduce his music to a wider audience.
6. Did Junior Kimbrough Release Any Albums During His Career?
Yes, Junior Kimbrough released several albums during his career. Some of his notable albums include “All Night Long,” “You Better Run: The Essential Junior Kimbrough,” “Do the Rump!,” and “First Recordings.”
7. Where Can I Listen To Junior Kimbrough’s Music?
Junior Kimbrough’s music can be found on various music streaming platforms, such as Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. You can also purchase his albums from online music stores or listen to his music on traditional radio stations that play blues music.
