Jessie Mae Hemphill
Jessie Mae Hemphill was born in Senatobia, Mississippi, in October of 1923.
The granddaughter of Sid Hemphill, Jessie, learned to play guitar by the time she was seven and played drums in his band soon after.
At the time, going by Jessie Mae Brooks, she would remain relatively obscure playing local bars and events. Only a few field recordings were made, but that all changed in 1978.
Jessie took a job at Memphis State University, where she would make her first quality recordings for High Water Recording Company.
In the early 80's she would release her first album, "She-wolf." Her distinct take on country blues paired with her eye-catching look saw her playing in concerts all over the globe.
She even showed up on Mister Rogers Neighborhood.
In 1993 Jessie had a stroke paralyzing the left side of her body. She could no longer play guitar and officially retired from her career. She would, however, go on to accompany her band playing her tambourine.
Jessie Mae Hemphill passed away in 2006 after complications with an ulcer.
The granddaughter of Sid Hemphill, Jessie, learned to play guitar by the time she was seven and played drums in his band soon after.
At the time, going by Jessie Mae Brooks, she would remain relatively obscure playing local bars and events. Only a few field recordings were made, but that all changed in 1978.
Jessie took a job at Memphis State University, where she would make her first quality recordings for High Water Recording Company.
In the early 80's she would release her first album, "She-wolf." Her distinct take on country blues paired with her eye-catching look saw her playing in concerts all over the globe.
She even showed up on Mister Rogers Neighborhood.
In 1993 Jessie had a stroke paralyzing the left side of her body. She could no longer play guitar and officially retired from her career. She would, however, go on to accompany her band playing her tambourine.
Jessie Mae Hemphill passed away in 2006 after complications with an ulcer.
