Magic Sam

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Magic Sam's West Side Soul album cover

Sam "Magic Sam" Maghett (February 14, 1937 – December 1, 1969) was a blues guitarist and singer.

Magic Sam was born in Grenada, Mississippi. After moving to Chicago, Illinois in 1950, his brilliant guitar playing earned bookings at blues clubs in Chicago's West Side. He recorded for the Cobra label from 1957 to 1959, recording singles, including the noteworthy "All Your Love" and "Easy Baby," and gaining a following before being drafted into the Army. Unhappy with his new life and the abrupt end to his musical career, he deserted and would later be sentenced to six months of jail-time for this act.

In 1963, he gained national attention for his single "Feelin' Good (We're Gonna Boogie)". After successful touring of the United States, England and Germany, he was signed to Delmark Records in 1967, where he recorded and produced West Side Soul and Black Magic. He also continued performing live and toured with blues harp player Charlie Musselwhite.

This rising blues star's career was cut short when he suddenly died of a heart attack in December 1969. He was buried in the Restvale Cemetery in Alsip, Illinois. His guitar style, vocals and songwriting ability have inspired and influenced many blues musicians ever since. In The Blues Brothers, Jake Blues dedicates the band's performance of "Sweet Home Chicago" to the "late, great Magic Sam".