Samuel Gene Maghett (February 14, 1937 – December 1, 1969), known as Magic Sam, was an American Chicago blues musician. He was born in Grenada County, Mississippi, and learned to play the blues by listening to records by Muddy Waters and Little Walter. After moving to Chicago at the age of 19, he was signed by Cobra Records and became well known as a bluesman after the release of his first record, "All Your Love," in 1957. He was known for his distinctive tremolo guitar playing.

The stage name Magic Sam was created by Sam's bass player and childhood friend, Mack Thompson, during Sam's first recording session for Cobra. It was a version of "Maghett Sam," the name Sam was using at the time. The name "Good Rocking Sam," which Sam had previously used, was already being used by another artist.

Life and career

Maghett moved to Chicago in 1956. His guitar playing earned him opportunities to perform at blues clubs on the West Side. From 1957 to 1959, he recorded singles for Cobra Records, including songs titled "All Your Love" and "Easy Baby." These recordings did not appear on record charts, but they had a strong influence on musicians beyond Chicago. Along with recordings by Otis Rush and Buddy Guy (also artists for Cobra Records), these works helped create the West Side Sound, a style that became a key example of a new type of blues. Around this time, Magic Sam briefly worked with Homesick James Williamson. Magic Sam gained a following before being drafted into the U.S. Army. He spent six months in prison for desertion and received a dishonorable discharge.

In 1963, his single "Feelin' Good (We're Gonna Boogie)" received national attention. He successfully toured the United States, Britain, and Germany. In 1967, he signed with Delmark Records, where he recorded albums titled West Side Soul and Black Magic. He continued performing live and toured with a band that included blues harp player Charlie Musselwhite, future Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen bassist "Buffalo" Bruce Barlow, and drummer Sam Lay. Magic Sam's breakthrough performance was at the Ann Arbor Blues Festival in 1969, which led to many bookings in the United States and Europe. He sometimes performed with his uncle, Shakey Jake Harris.

Death

Magic Sam's career ended early when he passed away from a heart attack in December 1969. He was 32 years old. He was buried in Restvale Cemetery in Alsip, Illinois. His wife, Georgia Maghett, survived him. In February 1970, the Butterfield Blues Band performed at a benefit concert for Magic Sam at Fillmore West in San Francisco. Also performing were Mike Bloomfield, Elvin Bishop, Charlie Musselwhite, and Nick Gravenites.

Legacy

Magic Sam's guitar playing, singing, and songwriting have inspired many blues musicians. His record producer, Willie Dixon, said, "Magic Sam had a unique guitar sound. Most musicians played the standard 12-bar blues, but Magic Sam combined chords with harmonies in a completely different way. His song 'All Your Love' showed his ability to use his high voice to create an inspiring feeling. You could always tell he was passionate about music, even from the beginning of his performances."

His recording of the blues song "Sweet Home Chicago" in 1967 is considered one of the best performances of the song. Author Stephen Thomas Erlewine notes this.

In the 1980 film The Blues Brothers, John Belushi's character says, "dedicated to the late great Magic Sam."

Awards and recognition

• In 1982, the Blues Foundation awarded "Magic Sam Live" with the Blues Music Award for Best Vintage or Reissued Album in the United States.
• In 1982, the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame honored the individual as a Performer.
• In 1984, the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame recognized "West Side Soul" in the category of Classic Blues Recordings – Albums.
• In 1990, the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame recognized "Black Magic" in the category of Classic Blues Recordings – Albums.