Mississippi Bluesmen Trivia Quiz

Answer: Albert King

More powerful and more dynamic than any of his peers, Albert King was born Albert Nelson two years before B.B. in the same small Mississippi town. Though not as well known as B.B., Albert is thought to have actually been the more influential of the two on other musicians, prime examples being Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Answer: Tommy Johnson

Tommy Johnson, who was more popular with and influential on local buyers and players than Robert, used to brag that he had met the devil. Locals adapted this story as a sort of explanation for Robert Johnson, an average player, disappearing and returning months later polished, professional, and darned good. Later, when young, white enthusiasts made the trek down to the delta to learn all about Robert Johnson, this "crossroads" story became synonymous with him. Tommy Johnson was portrayed by Blues musician Chris Thomas King in the movie 'O, Brother Where Art Thou?'

Answer: Little Milton

The Wolf did of course cut at Sun and record for Chess, and Rufus Thomas (born in Cayce, MS) had the first hits for both Sun and Stax, but Little Milton (Campbell) laid down tracks at all three labels and finished his career with Malaco records, a legend in their own right.

Answer: Muddy Waters

That would be Muddy Waters, in probably the smartest and best name change since Marion Morrison became John Wayne.

Answer: Elmore James

James, the great slide guitarist, was from the Jackson area in the central part of the state.

Answer: Willie Dixon

Standards now, "I'm a Hoochie Coochie Man" and "I'm Ready", are just two of Dixon's contribution to the Blues. White and Louisiana Red are also from Vicksburg, located on the Mississippi River. Rodgers was from Meridian and is known as The Father of Country Music. He was a big favorite of and also drew inspiration from many Mississippi Bluesmen.

Answer: Otha Turner

Before his death at the age of 94, Turner (born in Gravel Springs) enjoyed national interest, and Martin Scorscese discovered him and even used one of his songs in his movie 'Gangs of New York'.

Answer: Son House

The whiskey lovin' Son House was THE man in the delta, but sadly somehow ended up as a bellhop in a New York hotel when he was tracked down in the '60s!

Answer: John Lee Hooker

The great "Boom Boom" was cut for Vee-Jay, but Hooker was the king of the Detroit Blues scene, and it is also said that the Vandellas sang backup for Hooker on some other records. Albert King's career took off at Stax in Memphis with their house band, Booker T. & the MGs.

Answer: Charley Patton

Patton was famous for dropping down in splits and playing his guitar behind his head. Showmanship aside though, Patton is generally considered to be the originator and the most influential performer of Mississippi Blues.