He was a fine singer and a pretty good songwriter, but it was his guitar playing that stood out in a city of great Chicago Blues players.
That playing helped to define what became known as the “West Side Sound.”
Magic Sam Facts
- His stage name comes from the simple reversal and alteration of his first & last names “Maghett Sam.”
- A “West Side” Bluesman – he made the electric guitar more prominent in his arrangements; spotlighting and emphasizing it.
- Drafted in 1959, Sam deserted after one month and served the next six in jail before being dishonorably discharged.
- He signed with Bob Koester’s Delmark Records in 1967 and it was with Delmark where his first true recording success started to happen.
- Sam died before he attained any big commercial success…he died of a heart attack at 32, (1969) just as his recording career was taking off.
- In 1982 he was inducted posthumously as a performer into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame.
“I don’t want to be Sad Sam, Poor Sam, Black Sam, Dark Sam, or what have you.” ~ Magic Sam (When discussing his stage name.)
My Favorite Magic Sam Songs
- “I Need You So Bad” A great example of bringing the guitar front and center but still leaving some space for everyone else.
- “I Have The Same Old Blues” A straight-ahead tune with Sam using his guitar to dot every “I” and cross every “T” — he makes it sound so easy too.
- “Keep On Loving Me Baby” One of my favorite Otis Rush songs. Sam gets to show off some vocal chops on this one.
If I Could Only Have One Album
My choice would be his 1968 album, ‘Black Magic,’ on the Delmark label.
This was a close call for me because I really love his 1967 release, ‘West Side Soul.’ I consider that one more of a “classic,” but this record has more polish I think, and better sonics. Sam sounds more comfortable on ‘Black Magic’ to me. More in control.
His great guitar work is still there and his vocals are free-flowing and spot on. This album also includes some sax work from Eddie Shaw that changes the flavor of the whole record.
It’s easy to see why Sam’s Blues guitarist contemporaries wanted to copy his licks. He had great technique and a great sound. Plus he seemed to be getting better and better with each record.
Sadly, Sam died in 1969 from a heart attack. He was only 32. So this record is a glimpse of the musical promise Sam was never able to realize. He was on the verge of some real commercial success too. But that’s a story not all that uncommon for Bluesmen back in the day.
Preview ‘Black Magic’
A Small Taste
Here’s a video of Magic Sam performing “Magic Sam’s Boogie” (AKA “Looking Good” on his ‘Magic Sam Live’ album).
Notice that Sam doesn’t use a pick. It’s all finger work. So he can attack the strings differently, more aggressively than most guitarists. That’s partially responsible for his “sound.”
Also, this boogie is pretty difficult to play. But he makes it look easy. No wonder so many have tried to copy his licks.
Lastly, I have no idea why he’s playing Earl Hooker’s guitar on this tune. They were both label-mates at Chief Records for a time. So my guess is Sam was at Earl’s gig and got invited to sit in.
So glad this is still out there on video.
Thanks for reading!
Jon Beres
I’m one part Blues Fan and one part Digital Native (with a dash of Curmudgeon.) I’m also the publisher of AlltheWayBlue.com. If you love the Blues, I have a feeling we’ll get along just fine - cheers!
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