Jimmie Gordon

Jimmie Gordon
Also known as
  • The Mississippi Mudder
  • Georgia Pine Boy
  • Joe Bullum
Bornprobably 1906
Diedpossible (1993-10-27)October 27, 1993
GenresChicago blues
Occupations
  • Singer-songwriter
  • Pianist
Instruments
Years active1934–1946
LabelsPrimarily Decca

Jimmie Gordon (probably 1906[1] – possible October 27, 1993)[2] was an American Chicago blues pianist, singer, and songwriter.[1] In the course of his career he accompanied Memphis Minnie, Bumble Bee Slim, and Big Bill Broonzy, amongst others. He had a hit with "I'd Rather Drink Muddy Water" (1936) and was active on the Chicago blues scene for a number of years leading up to World War II. He is known to have recorded 67 tracks between 1934 and 1946.[1] Gordon was a mainstay of Decca Records during the 1930s and early 1940s, with his recorded work utilizing a piano accompaniment (often his own), as well as guitar, or with a small band that he assembled for the work.[3]

As a songwriter, Gordon is often credited with writing "Mean Mistreater", later recorded by both Muddy Waters and Johnny Winter. AllMusic noted that "Gordon was a passable pianist who sang with all his heart in a warm and convincing voice."[1]

Details of his life outside the recording studio are sketchy and have been the subject of rumor and speculation over the years.[1]

  1. ^ a b c d e arwulf arwulf. "Jimmie Gordon: Artist Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved November 20, 2022.
  2. ^ "Gordon, Jimmie, 1913-1993". id.loc.gov. Retrieved November 20, 2022.
  3. ^ Komara, Edward; Lee, Peter (2002). The Blues Encyclopedia. Routledge. p. 371. ISBN 9781135958312. Retrieved 2016-12-09.