Mississipi John Hurt
Image No. 63-4N-3: Blues Workshop 1963 Newport Folk Festival The much-beloved Mississippi John Hurt plays for an attentive crowd at a daytime blues workshop. Behind John, New York bluesman Dave van Ronk appears to be singing along, while Brownie McGhee looks on.
Image No. 64-10N-2 Mississippi John looking on 1964 Newport Folk Festival Mississippi John listens to another musician performing at a daytime workshop.
Image No. 63-7N-41 Mississippi John Hurt onstage 1963 Newport Folk Festival Alone on the large concert stage at the Newport Folk Festival, Mississippi John demonstrates the power of one man and a guitar.
Image No. 63-7N-44: A Tip of the Hat 1963 Newport Folk Festival Always a gentleman, Mississippi John acknowledges the audience's applause as he leaves the stage at the end of his evening performance, while the m.c. prepares to adjust the mike for the next performer.
Image No. 63-4N-6: Mississippi John Hurt 1963 Newport Folk Festival John Hurt's 1920s recordings on Harry Smith's Anthology of American Folk Music led to Hurt's rediscovery in 1961, when he was 72 years old. Before his death in 1966, Mississippi John enjoyed five years of revived fame and he saw a new generation of guitar players influenced by his distinctive finger-picking style.