Scott Ainslie: Mississippi John Hurt-1 - Bio & Introduction

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.

Welcome to this work. Let me know how you get on in the comments.

[RossNanfito]

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!

[OurEnemyScalion]

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.

[JimMaisonneuve-rivg]

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.

[gibby]

Very moving like many our age owe my entire right hand to the playing of Mississippi John love any and all info I can find about this great

[nancycurry]

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.

[mistertaterbug]

It's good to see John Hurt getting some more attention. Great job putting a lot of various details together in one spot! Thanks Scott.

[mod]

Love John Hurt, playing his guitar music for years, he died on my 1st birthday 2/11/66, rip John

[davesiler]

Scott, I was also 17 and living in Memphis!!!!~!

[shirleybowers]

Thank you, Scott, for your moving account of Mississippi John Hurt's life and career. Beautiful. 🙏❤✝️🇺🇸🎸🎶

[wynnbennett]

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.

[dmwagnersalisbury]

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

[markleviner]

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

[raskinblog]

1st or 2nd time I've heard it explained to me by one of my peers. <3. Thank You.

[Fred-rner]

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

[coachdoc]

Excellent intro to John and his music. Looking forward to each lesson.

[davidmccaffery]

Thank you for this most interesting education on a great American

[jed]

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!

[JCastro]

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.

[michaellohr]

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.

[barriepotter]

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