Documentary and symposium shed light on life of Jimmy Reed

Documentary and symposium shed light on life of Jimmy Reed
Domincan University will honor the life and legacy of legendary blues musician Jimmy Reed. Getty/file
Documentary and symposium shed light on life of Jimmy Reed
Domincan University will honor the life and legacy of legendary blues musician Jimmy Reed. Getty/file

Documentary and symposium shed light on life of Jimmy Reed

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Jimmy Reed’s hits include “Bright Lights,” “Big City” and “Big Boss Man.” But like many artists of the ’50s and ’60s, Reed was a victim of copyright infringement – he didn’t get much money for his work. Now his life and music are the subjects of a symposium and documentary.

The Jimmy Reed Experience is the work of filmmaker Steven Lattimore. WBEZ’s Richard Steele recently talked with Lattimore and Jimmy Reed’s son Jimmy Reed, Jr. Lattimore began by talking about Jr.’s mother, also known as Mama Reed, who he says played a huge role in the elder Reed’s career.

The Jimmy Reed Experience screens Tuesday night at Dominican University as part of a symposium on Jimmy Reed’s career.

Songs heard in the story:

“Little Rain”
“Bright Lights, Big City”
“Big Boss Man”
“Take Out Some Insurance”