Magic Slim

Today the music world mourns the loss of Magic Slim, a famed Chicago bluesman who held true to his rough and ready Mississippi roots. After a 58-year long career, Mr. Slim died February 21, 2013 following surgery concerning a bleeding ulcer. Born Morris Holt in 1937, Magic truly performed from the heart and with the honest intention of honoring the great American tradition of blues music. From his childhood, Mr. Slim showed the ambition and determination that he would need to climb his way up to success. Living and working as a child in rural Mississippi, Mr. Slim made his first guitar by hand. He went on to achieve considerable fame and earn the respect of blues musicians worldwide, but he never forgot that first guitar. In 1990, Magic recorded “Gravel Road”, his first release with Blind Pig, and christened the album’s title track after a song that he played on the makeshift instrument of his childhood.

Like many of the greats, Mr. Slim had his share of challenges on his climb to the top. Magic’s first love was for the piano, but having lost his pinky finger in an unfortunate cotton-gin accident, he found himself facing rejection because of physical limitations. After years of perseverence and honing his legendary sound on guitar, Magic finally burst onto the scene in 1966 with “Scufflin’”, his first single. Soon after, Magic formed the acclaimed group of Magic Slim and the Teardrops, which included his two younger brothers. Over the years, Mr. Slim has enjoyed success under several labels, including Alligator, Rooster Blues, and Wolf Records, but he spent the last 23 years of his career with Blind Pig. His most recent album, “Bad Boy” is dated 2012 from that label and was released less than a year ago. Mr. Slim was a performer to the last, touring until health issues prevented him from completing his 2012 tour. The blues great is survived by his wife, Ann, and five children.

-Jess Sepe