Scott Ainslie: Mississippi John Hurt-1 - Bio & Introduction
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- Опубликовано: 24 июл 2024
- This is the first in a series of 15 videos on the music of Mississippi John Hurt, a pandemic-inspired solution to the cancelation of music camps all across the nation.
This series of lessons took over two months, well-and forty years-to get sorted and were made freely available on a donation-only basis from July 2020 through the end of the year. Five of the fifteen Hurt videos remain freely available here on RUclips. The balance are on our Patreon page / scottainslie for a minimum donation of $5/month.
Welcome to this work. Let me know how you get on in the comments. 
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RIP John Mississippi Hurt been a lister for as long as I could!! I am 71yrs young. Nothing Like no other. I listen to a lot of Black Blues music. Keep it up blues Players. We have younger ones like Charles Mangus. Peace Out and Love MMLZZZ
I was 10 years old in 1970. I pulled the family guitar out of the closet where it was stored, forced my mother to order me some guitar lesson books (I still have them!) and cassette tapes, and taught myself the fingerpicking style of John Hurt. I didn't know who he was at the time, but he changed my life. That year I learned other tunes also but the very first song I ever learned to play on the guitar was Spike Drivers Blues by Mississippi John Hurt. I'm now 62 and I still remember the mind-blowing feeling that song gave a 10-year-old then and still gives me now.
Scott, your writing and presentation is incredible and extremely moving for those of us who forever memorialize John Hurt in our minds. I learned a lot here. Thank you!
Ross: I loved your story. I was 17 in the fall of 1970, when I first heard Hurt’s music. Stopped me dead in my tracks. Good by commercial folk music, hello roots!
I’ve been obsessing over John Fahey’s music for about a year now. It’s totally changed my life. The first song I ever heard from him was Requiem for Mississippi John Hurt. Immediately I was blown away and in love. Never had I heard music that touched that exact place in my heart that always went a-flutter when I looked at rolling clouds’ shadows being cast over fields or sun rays cutting through leaves on oaks and elms. Or like watching the sun come up in the old horse pasture. I had to leave my childhood home very suddenly and it was kinda traumatic for me even now that it’s already been 9 years. This music takes me back, for a glimpse but it gave me closure.
Finally taking the time to delve into Mississippi John Hurt, I’m so glad I did. God bless him and his family, through blood and through music.
Music can most definitely heal a broken heart. You just have to find the right stuff.
Amethyst: Time stopped when I first heard John Hurt in the fall of 1970, a record loaned from a friend. I have become friends with Mary Frances Hurt, John's granddaughter, and hope to interview her this fall. I'm glad you enjoyed this work.
I was extremely most fortunate to have seen Mississippi John Hurt live at the Newport Folk Music Festival in 1965. A great artist and human being.
Indeed: I didn't hear any of his music until four years after he was gone. I just love the work and have from first-hearing. Thanks for your comment here. Most appreciated.
What I find riveting is that I was so very close to John Hurt being that I was living in Vienna, Virginia when he was living in DC for those two years. I was only Eleven, but having a Dad who had been a professional musician I was blessed to be exposed to all genres, especially Jazz and Blues. Scott, I cannot thank you enough for presenting this priceless history of John Hurt.
You were close to Elizabeth Cotton too because she was housekeeper by stroke of chance for Pete Seegers daughter. She hadn't played in years when they rediscovered her. She had never recorded though I don't think. But she would go down as another finger picking legend to a new generation of folk enthusiasts.
Which two years was he living in DC? I was born in Fairfax and lived in Woodbridge and Springfield, 67-75
Love John Hurt , playing his guitar music for years, he died on my 1st birthday 2/11/66, rip John
Thank you, Scott, for your moving account of Mississippi John Hurt's life and career. Beautiful. 🙏❤✝️🇺🇸🎸🎶
Thank you, Shirley. I am in Avalon now with a couple of his granddaughters. He was a dear fellow.
@@scottainslie that's incredible.
Scott, I was also 17 and living in Memphis!!!!~!
Excellent intro to John and his music. Looking forward to each lesson.
Thanks Doc. Best wishes, s.
Fantastic, Scott! I had no idea about the Birmingham connection. WOW. And I will forever hear Avalon differently. You and John have that gentleness and generosity in common. Can't wait to explore the lessons.
Diana
thankful for this one
Thanks for this! #1. For a man of this musical talent, to not own a guitar for 2 years, is a sad and tragic indictment on our society. #2. I haven’t been to church in 50 years, but listening to Mr. Hurt’s music gives me more faith than any preacher or pastor or reverend ever has, or ever could. When you listen to him, you can hear and feel that his faith was 100% unshakable…. Something that many church leaders cannot claim. Thanks again! Now it’s time to pick up my resonator and start practicing my MJH licks!
Hurt had a nearly legendary ability to be calm and even kindly in the face of the stunning unfairness of capitalist white supremacy that is part and parcel of American life, history, and society. He clearly was tapped into something bigger than most of us. And, yeah, go play. It helps every time…s.
John Hurt was the very best!!!!!
Yes. No one anywhere had a bad word to say about him. Imagine that! Amazing fellow.
I could just listen to him All Day!!?
Yeah. The sweetest cat from deeply unfair, even deadly circumstances. His spirit is plain to hear!
Thank you!!
You are most welcome. Thanks for the note..
I’m eternally grateful to Mississippi John Hurt for the influence he has had on my playing style, not to mention the endless pleasure I get from listening to his recordings in which his gentle nature, as you described, is so evident. Thank you John
Indeed. A more forgiving and loving cat would be hard to find. Add growing up at the edge of the Mississippi Delta and it starts to seem impossible that he could be so sweet.
Incredible. Well done!!
Dave: Thank you, my friend. He was such a sweet cat!
Thank you Sir, it is what I was waiting for.
I am glad that you enjoyed this introduction and framing of Hurt's life and work.
Absolutely astounding, fantastic video
Gareth: Thank you for this comment. One never knows who one is serving when such a thing is undertaken. It is always good when work like this finds its audience. Feel free to refer friends to the work here. With my best wishes, s.
I'm starting to watch these series of videos and I've to say thanks. Each time I listen to ya talking about guitar I find a light to follow playing the guitar. Thanks a lot Maestro.
Jesús: Thanks for this. The guitar and music more generally, can save lives, enrich our souls, and temper our rage. I am living proof (you can imagine me without it!!!).
Very well done. Thank you.
Thanks, Anthony. Hurt’s music was foundational for me.
Stellar, Scott!!
Thanks. It turns out the speculation about John's birthdate here is all justified, except the conclusion. According to the family bible, and John's granddaughter, Mary Frances Hurt, John was born on July 3rd, 1893. I'll have to correct this, or maybe float a title in to correct it!
Thank you for this. MJH is a treasure.
Thank you for this most interesting education on a great American
Agreed!
Incredible video lesson series by Scott. So well taught and presented with real love and respect. Much gratitude.
Robert Davis: Thanks. The response to the work has been as gratifying as the donations. Enjoy the work and let me know how you get on: scott@CattailMusic.com
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Wow , Brilliant 👏
Thanks. Do pass it around. The work is here for free for just that reason.
This is a profound story…..thank you.
Glad you found it and liked it. He was one of my early mentors who I only met through his recordings. He was gone before I knew him..s.
This is amazing.. an absolute wealth of information. I’m terrible at fingerpicking.. but I will persevere & try my best!
Wow Scott,. Do I ever appreciate your video presentation and especially your closing comments about tableture. I have been playing ever since I first had two lessons with Jack Baker at the Folklore Center in NYC in 1969 and those two lessons were taught using tab for Spike Driver's Blues and that ' colored' my approach for many many years in that I began my journey using my eyes and not my ears , something I paid for for a long time. I wish I'd had your simple advice then. Perhaps Jack might have said the same that had I stayed on. I'll never know. But you are the first to articulate what I've felt for years . My playing has developed greatly since, but MJHurt' s basic style has always been at the heart of my playing. Also John Fahey, but I digress. I just wanted to acknowledge your wonderful input and the deep gratitude I have long felt for John Hurt....many cheers....Fred andrew
Fred, How very kind and good of you to write. And to have your good company here. There are hours of instruction at our patreon page: Patreon.com/ScottAinslie and a number of public forward-facing posts. The archive is available to all members at all levels of tithing. I'm not here just to serve the richest among us. Bad form, that.
Thank you for this. There is a benefit at the Caffe Lena in Syracuse,NY on 04/29/2023 to benefit the John Hurt Foundation.
Absoluetly superb Scott! Thoroughly enjoyed this. Loving your albums and feeling very inspired by your playing. Thank you Sir.
Thank you, Stephen. What a lovely note. In the isolation of these times, the heart leaps at connections, however technologically facilitated. I'm glad you like the work and am grateful to hear it. Truly. Best wishes for 2021....s.
@@scottainslie Happy New Year Scott! All the best for 2021.
Great video. Thanks
Glad you found it. His work was foundational for me and many others…s.
@@scottainslie I love him. I got a book for beginners finger picking and his was a style taught in that book. Blind Blake was another. They're in a different class.
@@somesongs9605 Indeed. The use of the thumb, it’s power, is key to both their styles. Great beginnings!
I grew up learning blues, went to punk, nowadays i play technical deathmetal. this man's music is THE most intricate and demanding style i have ever come across. truly genius and so humble and sweet. love this guy.
No one, anywhere, had a bad word to say about him. His was a life that was rarely easy and rare in its beauty.
@@scottainslie and so sweet, so genuine of a delivery. my fave for sure!
last comment, i discovered him and many otheres while working for Lawrence Welk Music Group/ranwood/sugarhill records i owe a bit to Kevin Welk for that. good stuff.
You’re doing the Lord’s work here.
Thank you very much.
Thanks. I'm glad you found it. Share it around to all the likely suspects. To support this sort of work, Patreon.com/ScottAinslie
Thanks so much for this work of love. He was a Pisces for sure.
Many thanks!
It brings tears to my eyes to learn how a human being could be subjected to such racist treatment ant exploitation by others. I sort of play the guitar in a way based on Mississippi John Hurt´s style, and as a German brought up safely (emotionally, socially, and financially) after WWII, I´m almost ashamed to say that I, never been a victim of any discrimination whatsoever, owe so much to a person who was so humble and humiliated, and who only shortly before his death could finally share his musical genius with the world. Whenever I get to the USA again, I will try and visit the museum that his granddaughter has established.
Michael: the good heart evidenced by your comment is a match for Mississippi John Hurt. You will feel the resonance of that when you visit Avalon. If you get to Vermont, I’ll make you breakfast.
Thank You Scott. I love the lovely art that John Hurt play ans sing. Donald Fransson, Sweden
Our fond regards to you and your country…s.
you do him proud!!
Thank you, Dave. His music, and then learning about who the man was, transformed me. I was 17....
Gold
Thanks, my friend.
I'm amazed at how ainslee looks like Willie nelson.
Hello Scott. Thank You for the history lesson. I was born and raised in Avalon and Teoc. Maybe you met my uncle while touring the area and Hurt home museum. Art Browning was curator of the museum I guess from the time it opened until he passed a few years ago. My father, Hardin, and uncle Art were both guitar pickers, so surmise to say I've had one in my hands since i was old enough to hold it. I'm currently working my way thru John's body of work, learning one at a time, both as a challenge and a way to further my interest in guitar playing. I don't see any other people in the Delta area playing John's music, and I'm wondering if you've encountered anyone from younger generations playing his style and/or tunes? I'm 44, but still consider myself young. ha
Reed! What an excellent message to wake up to this morning. Thanks. I did not meet your uncle, nor do I know if there are younger players (I'm 69) working on this music down there as you are. I first heard John's recordings in 1970, having played folk guitar styles for three years. I dove right in, amazed at the style and John's charming facility, spirit, and tunes. I went on to transcribe all of Robert Johnson's music, published a ground-breaking book on him with Hal Leonard, later snuck out of print in the midst of continuing strong sales (Robert did not sell his soul at the crossroads, but definitely gave up his publishing rights...). My return to John's music was deeply personal and came after a short conversation with his granddaughter, Mary Frances Hurt. There are four or five video lessons on Hurt's music here on RUclips.com and roughly 5 hours of video instruction on his music on our Patreon page: Patreon.com/ScottAinslie. $5/month minimum tor all access, more if you can afford it. drop me a note by email: scott AT cattailmusic.com, we may be in the area this winter or spring and it would be good to connect.
@@scottainslie Yes sir, I watched a couple of your lessons last night after I left that message (4 and 5). Unfortunately, I've never been able to learn very well from others. Much like you said in the 1st lesson, I have relied on ear->directly to hands all of my life. I recently conquered Slidin' Delta and Salty Dog. My father (He'll be 77 in Dec) sent me a message the other day wanting to hear me play John's Candyman Blues, so once more into the fray, into the last good fight I'll ever know. Ha. Glad to hear back from you. I'm currently living about 2 hours north of Avalon. I do own a small 1BR, 1BA unfurnished home about 15 miles east of Avalon that you are welcome to use if you plan on staying for any length of time.
@@reedbrowning4390 Thanks for all this. And the offer of sanctuary on the road north of Avalon. Do send me some email so I have you in my contacts list, an address or town, zip code as well, I'll warn you of our travels. We may be in Avalon doing some interviews this winter or spring....scott@cattailMusic.com
Good deal. i'll do that. For what it's worth, my grandfather was also from Avalon. His mother- my great-grandmother- said that he was born in 1925. His birth certificate reflected 1924. So pertaining to an opinion you stated in your first video of this series, I can't agree that people just didn't care about keeping records of African Americans. It seemed to have known no color. I'm not sure where we should place this blame, so I'm going to go with poorly organized hospital record keepings.
Incidentally, the grandfather i spoke of above was also a musician. He played drums, stand-up bass, mandolin, and guitar. He also spoke of playing with Mr Hurt on the porch of the Valley Store in between Avalon and Teoc, although thats about all i know. I'll ask my elders if they are able to elaborate. Safe travels
@@reedbrowning4390 I finally have a chance to write again, Reed: Mary Frances Hurt spoke very fondly of your uncle. I thought you should know!
am i the only one that thought Willie Nelson was narrating this? great video!
He is nearly 29 years older than me, but I would rather be miStaken for Willie than almost anyone. Imagine looking like DeSantis or Trump??
@scottainslie lol a much less hazy Willie i will say
Excellent. Also, willie Nelson could be your twin.
Thanks, Timothy. And we are both old white men with white beards and long hair. He is a fine man to be mistaken for…s.
Willie Nelson’s love child
Willie Nelson!!!😮😯😲
I've never heard that before...but seriously, he's 20 years older than me and we don't look at all alike...old guitar players with long hair and white beards....we all look alike to some folks.....;-),s.
What a great bio of a great and talented man. As far as trying to learn his style, I find the best way is to put him on and just try and mimic him. Especially if you can see him playing. Thanks for this video. November 2nd is tomorrow… I will remember him.
Playing along is always best, and then stopping to insert some more fine detail, as you find your feet. Thanks, David, for the comment. s.