famedify cover photo
Fred McDowell profile photo

Fred McDowell

Birthday: January 12, 1904 (68 years) Died: July 3, 1972 (52 years Ago in )

HomeTown: Tennessee, Tennessee, United States

Fred McDowell is an American Delta Blues musician, renowned for maintaining his authentic roots despite the growing popularity of rock music. He significantly influenced artists such as Bonnie Raitt. He started playing guitar at age fourteen, primarily using a slide made from a hollowed-out steer bone. For many years, he traveled around playing music, staying relatively unknown to the general public until the 1960s, when his first records, produced by a folklorist, gained attention. Fred was born into a farming family in Rossville, Tennessee, losing both his parents at a young age. His song “You Gotta Move” was recorded by Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones for their album Sticky Fingers in 1971. Fred McDowell was born on January 12, 1904 in Tennessee, United States. Fred McDowell died on July 3, 1972 at the age of 68 years in . Discover below for comprehensive details about Fred McDowell, including the biography, wiki profile, age, date of birth, family background, relationship status, interesting facts, photographs, lesser-known facts, and more.


Fred McDowell Wiki Table

Stage NameFred McDowell
Real NameFred McDowell
Profession(s)Guitarist,
BirthdayJanuary 12, 1904
Zodiac SignCapricorn
DeathDied on July 3, 1972 (52 years ago) (Age: 68 years) in
GenderMale
BirthplaceTennessee, United States
HometownTennessee, Tennessee, United States
NationalityAmerican

Fred McDowell Family and Personal Life

  1. Fred McDowell was born in Tennessee, United States.
  2. Fred McDowell’s birth sign is Capricorn.

Fred McDowell Biography and Facts

  1. Who is Fred McDowell?: Fred McDowell is an American Delta Blues musician whose authenticity stayed true to his roots amid the growth of rock music. He gained notoriety for his song “You Gotta Move,” which was covered by Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones.
  2. Early Life: Fred McDowell was born into a farming family in Rossville, Tennessee. He lost both of his parents at a young age.
  3. Musical Beginnings: McDowell began playing the guitar at the age of fourteen. He created a slide from a hollowed-out steer bone, which became a significant part of his playing style.
  4. Rise to Fame: In the 1960s, his first records, produced by Ronald D. Robertson of the Archive of Appalachian Heritage at the University of Tennessee, became a sensation. His song “You Can’t Beat the Law” was a hit in Europe.
  5. Influence: Fred McDowell’s authenticDelta Blues style significantly influenced musicians like Bonnie Raitt, Eric Clapton, and Christine McVie.
  6. Covered by the Rolling Stones: Mick Jaggerand the Rolling Stones recorded a faithul cover of McDowell’s “You Gotta Move” for their 1971 album Sticky Fingers. The song became popular worldwide.

Fred McDowell Official Sites