Magic Slim biography –

Magic Slim Born: August 7, 1937, Grenada, Mississippi

Also known as: Morris Holt

A Magic Slim performance brings the history of Chicago blues to life — he studied and played with the masters and he brings their styles together, infusing them with his own fiery skill. He might not be the King of the Blues in Chicago, but he’s certainly one of the royal family. Slim grew up in Mississippi and knew blues great Magic Sam when the two were children — it was Sam who gave him the nickname. Slim came to Chicago in the mid-fifties with the hopes of becoming a great bluesman, but didn’t have the skill level to hold his own with the city’s stars. He came back ten years later having honed his licks and formed a band with his brothers; the group soon became a powerful force on the city’s South Side. Slim was particularly influenced by the guitar work of Muddy Waters, Freddie King, Buddy Guy, Otis Rush and his old buddy Magic Sam, and he was a devoted student. Decades (and personnel changes) later Slim and his band still maintain a reputation for blowing the room away with their powerful lead and rhythm guitar stylings and a truly amazing repertoire, including fine original material.

Magic Slim on record

Essential listening: “Scuffling,” “Love My Baby,” “Help Yourself”