A firsthand look at Mississippi John Hurt’s rediscovery during the 1960s folk revival, exploring his music, gentle presence, and the management challenges he encountered late in life. Told through a 2018 interview with his manager Dick Waterman—who oversaw the final chapter of Hurt’s career—and the author’s own memories of the Philadelphia folk-blues scene, this feature illuminates both Hurt’s enduring artistry and the complex behind-the-scenes world of the revival era.
Author: Ted Estersohn
Ted Estersohn
Ted Estersohn is a multi-instrumentalist and at various times a teacher, an FM DJ, a sound engineer for concerts and festivals, a writer, and a free-range folklorist. Ted plays the blues over at www.wavechair.com.