Blues Legend Magic Slim Passes Away at 75
February 22, 2012
A sad farewell to legend Magic Slim, who left us Thursday February 21. He had been hospitalized in Philadelphia for complications from a bleeding ulcer.
Born Morris Holt, in Torrance, Mississippi, 1937, Magic Slim had a story that only a bluesman could have. He lost a finger -- his pinkie -- as a kid in a cotton gin accident, which moved him from interest in piano to guitar. A schoolmate of fellow legend Magic Sam, the two followed many others like them to Chicago where they created a tradition of electric blues.
Holt recorded his first single in 1966, and formed Magic Slim and the Teardrops with his brothers the following year. But he didn't release his first album until ten years later, when a French label put out an LP. He had since recorded for Alligator, Blind Pig, and others.
Holt's health had been deteriorating in recent years, but he kept playing dates.
Here's among the most recent we could find, from June of last year...
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All Photo Galleries
The BluesMobile In Style
1st Annual Boulder Roots & Blues Summit
Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival 2010
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Elwood's Favorites
The BluesMobile In Style
Blues Brethren
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Event Photos
1st Annual Boulder Roots & Blues Summit
Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival 2010