"Mississippi" Fred McDowell

Born in Rossville on January 12, 1904, Fred McDowell was one of America's eminent blues artists. His work, rooted in the Delta blues tradition, won him international fame. Of his unique bottleneck guitar style he said: "I make the guitar say what I say, if I play 'Amazing Grace,' it'll sing that too." His influence spread beyond blues to gospel and popular artists. He died in Memphis on July 13, 1972.

Rossville, Tennessee · United States