Eddie C. Campbell

Eddie C. Campbell

Eddie C. Campbell is an American blues guitarist and singer associated with the Chicago blues scene. Born in Mississippi in 1939 and raised on Chicago’s South Side, he becomes known for a precise, clean guitar style with tight, rhythmic phrasing. His work fits within blues, Chicago blues and electric blues.

Early life and Chicago roots

Campbell’s family moves to Chicago when he is six, and he receives his first guitar from his mother at the age of eight. By 12 he is sitting in with Muddy Waters, and while still a teenager he plays around Chicago with Luther Allison and Magic Sam. He also develops a reputation on the Chicago West Side for a flamboyant image, including striking hairstyles, a purple motorcycle and a bright red guitar.

Career in Chicago blues

By the late 1950s, Campbell is backing Lowell Fulson, Percy Mayfield, Tyrone Davis and Little Johnny Taylor. He also plays with many of the major Chicago blues figures of the period, including Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Otis Rush, Little Walter, Mighty Joe Young, Oscar Coleman and Magic Sam. Magic Sam is especially influential on his guitar style.

During the 1960s and 1970s, Campbell serves as bandleader for Jimmy Reed until Reed’s death in 1976. He later plays with Koko Taylor and Willie Dixon’s Chicago Blues All-Stars.

Recordings and later reputation

In 1977, Campbell releases King of the Jungle, which becomes one of his best-known recordings. After living in Europe for eight years, he returns to Chicago in 1992 and develops a cult following, with listeners recognising him as a distinctive practitioner of West Side Chicago blues.

Death

He is born in 1939 and dies in 2018.