A Lifetime of Blues and Soul

Jimmy Burns, an American soul blues and electric blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter, has been mesmerizing audiences with his soulful melodies and fingerpicking magic for over five decades. Born in the Mississippi Delta on February 27, 1943, Burns has spent most of his life in Chicago, where he has become an iconic figure in the blues scene.

The Early Years: A Blues-filled Childhood

Burns' love affair with music began at a tender age, growing up on the Hilliard Cotton Plantation in Dublin, Mississippi. He was the youngest of eleven children, and his father, a sharecropper, would often perform as a singer in medicine shows. Burns' early exposure to the blues came from the streets of the Delta, where he would listen to the likes of Lightnin' Hopkins, his favorite blues musician. He would later join his church choir, honing his vocal skills and developing a deep passion for music.

The Chicago Years: A Career Takes Shape

At the age of 12, Burns moved with his family to Chicago, where he would eventually form The Medallionaires, a doo-wop group that recorded a few tracks. In the 1960s, Burns began recording solo, releasing singles on various labels, including USA, Minit, Tip Top, and Erica. He toured the Midwest with his backing groups, the Fantastic Epics and Jimmy Burns and the Gas Company, until the early 1970s, when he took a hiatus from music to raise his family and run a barbecue stand.

The Resurgence: A New Chapter in Music

In the early 1990s, Burns returned to music, starting a long residency at Chicago's Smokedaddy Club. It was here that Delmark Records boss Bob Koester discovered Burns, leading to the release of his debut album, Leaving Here Walking, in 1996. The album was a critical success, earning two W.C. Handy Award nominations and winning the Best Blues Record of the Year title from the National Association of Independent Record Distributors.

Awards and Recognition

• Best Blues Record of the Year (1996) - National Association of Independent Record Distributors
• W.C. Handy Award nominations (1996)

Legacy and Impact

Jimmy Burns' contributions to the blues genre have been immense, inspiring a new generation of musicians. His soulful voice, combined with his masterful guitar playing, has created a unique sound that is both nostalgic and contemporary. As a testament to his legacy, Burns' music has been featured in various films, TV shows, and documentaries.

Discography

• Leaving Here Walking (1996)
• (2002)
• Live at B.L.U.E.S. (2005)
• Devil Here I Come (2010)

Trivia and Fun Facts

• Burns' 1972 single, "I Really Love You," was named one of the top 500 singles of Northern soul in 2000.
• He has performed at the Chicago Blues Festival, the Blues Bash, and the Mississippi Valley Blues Festival, among others.
• Burns has shared the stage with blues legends like Otis Rush, Magic Slim, and Lonnie Brooks.

The Future: Still Going Strong

Despite his advancing years, Jimmy Burns continues to perform and record, inspiring audiences with his timeless music. As a testament to his enduring legacy, Burns remains an integral part of the Chicago blues scene, a true ambassador of the genre.