August 29: Blues guitarist and singer Jimmy Reed died on this day in 1976.

He was 50 years-old when he died from respiratory failure.

/Mathis James Reed (50) American blues guitarist, singer, harmonica;

Born in Dunleith, Mississippi, Reed learned to play harmonica and guitar from his friend Eddie Taylor. He moved to Chicago in 1943 then was drafted, serving in the US Navy during World War II.

When he was discharged in 1945 he moved back to Mississippi. By the 1950s, Jimmy had established himself as a popular musician and joined the "Gary Kings" with John Brim. He signed with Vee-Jay Records and began playing again with Eddie Taylor and soon released "You Don't Have to Go", his first hit record. This was followed by a long string of hits. Jimmy's recordings of "Big Boss Man" and "Bright Lights, Big City" were both voted onto the list of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll and in 1991 he was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Press links below to view You Tube videos:
-- "You Don't Have to Go"
-- "Cold and Lonesome"
-- "Bright Lights, Big City"