I'm Mr Luck Jimmy Reed/Lefty Bates/Eddie Taylor Guitar lesson

The later Jimmy Reed records are full of efforts to repeat the successful formula for another hit, but not repeat it EXACTLY. 1961's "I'm Mr Luck" (the flip side of "Bright Lights Big City") seems to be an experimental subsitution of a guitar solo for Jimmy's harp. "Lucky" for us, it was Lefty Bates! He plays more or less two versions of the same solo to introduce the song and take it out. I've always been a huge fan of Lefty Bate's stinging solos on lots of my favorite John Lee Hooker Vee Jay songs (we'll come back to that for sure in a future video), but I don't know a lot about him. Seems like he played with a pick without a capo on this one with a lot of Lowell Fulson influence. Guys, any Lefty Bates stories? Did you see him live? I'd love to read your comments. I love the tempo and space of this song, it takes discipline to really stick to the pattern and maintain that lazy mood. I meant to point on Jimmy's "pad" chords on the V and IV instead of the typical upbeat rhythm-- check it out! * Subscribe to my channel today for in-depth looks at the electric blues greats as well, deep dives into blues "nooks and crannies", performance videos and more to come. * Become a supporter at https://www.patreon.com/johnnyburgin to help keep these free weekly lessons coming. Or send a one time tip: Johnny-Burgin-1 at Venmo or rjohnnyband@gmail.com on Paypal-- thank you! * Check https://johnnyburgin.com/ for my international show schedule. I'd love it if you come to a show or pick up a CD or LP. It's always great to meet and chat with fellow blues guitar fans on the road. You can find my CDs and LPs on Spotify or other streaming platforms, online stores like Amazon/iTunes, https://johnnyburgin.bandcamp.com/ etc. * Stay up to date on social media: FB: Johnny Burgin Live: Instagram: johnnyburgin Twitter: https://twitter.com/burginjohnny *For updated show listings go to https://www.bandsintown.com/a/1226708... or join the email list: https://johnnyburgin.com/contact/ *Label: www.delmark.com -- America's oldest continuously operating blues and jazz label. *WIki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rockin'... * Check out my sponsors: GHS strings www.ghs.com out of Battle Creek, MI and https://www.bluemoonharmonicas.com Thanks so much to all of you. #jimmyreed #johnnyburgin #eddietaylor

Added 8 Jun 2026