R.L. Burnside was one of the most distinctive voices in modern blues, known for his hypnotic guitar grooves, raw vocal style, and fierce Mississippi hill country sound. Though he gained wider recognition later in life, his music left a deep and lasting impact. Here are five fascinating curiosities about this legendary bluesman that reveal just how unique he truly was.
1. He Didn’t Achieve Fame Until His Sixties
Unlike many musicians who find success early in their careers, R.L. Burnside remained largely unknown outside Mississippi until the 1990s—when he was already in his sixties. His big break came when indie label Fat Possum Records began recording him and promoting hill country blues artists. Albums like Too Bad Jim (1994) and A Ass Pocket of Whiskey (1996) brought him international attention and a new, younger audience.
2. His Music Mixed Traditional Blues with Modern Beats
R.L. Burnside was never afraid to innovate. In the late 1990s, he collaborated with producers like Tom Rothrock and Alec Empire to remix his raw Delta blues with hip-hop and electronic elements. The result, particularly on the album Come On In (1998), was a striking fusion that pushed the blues into new sonic territory while maintaining its gritty roots.
3. He Had a Rough Life—Including Time in Prison
Burnside lived a hard life, and his music reflects it. In the 1950s, he was imprisoned for manslaughter after killing a man during a fight. He served about six months in jail—a relatively short sentence at the time. He once famously said about the incident: “I didn’t mean to kill nobody… I just meant to shoot the sonofabitch in the head. Him dying was between him and the Lord.”
4. His Musical Style Was Deeply Rooted in Hill Country Blues
Unlike the more widely known Delta blues, hill country blues—native to the northern Mississippi hills where Burnside lived—relies less on chord changes and more on hypnotic grooves and rhythms. Burnside mastered this style, creating trance-like songs with minimal chord progressions, steady rhythms, and a raw, emotional edge. He was a torchbearer for this lesser-known but highly influential blues tradition.
5. Music Was a Family Affair
R.L. Burnside passed the blues down to the next generations. His son, Duwayne Burnside, and grandson, Cedric Burnside, are both accomplished blues musicians in their own right. Cedric, in particular, has become a prominent figure in contemporary blues, carrying on his grandfather’s legacy with energy and respect for the tradition.
Conclusion
R.L. Burnside’s life and music were anything but ordinary. From his late-in-life success to his experimental recordings and his place in a proud musical lineage, Burnside proved that the blues is a living, evolving force. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering him, these curiosities offer a glimpse into the powerful and enduring legacy of one of the last great Mississippi bluesmen.
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