T-Model Ford

Biography

T-Model Ford, born James Lewis Carter Ford in 1924 in Forest, Mississippi, was a renowned American blues musician. His early life was marked by hard labor and a stint on a chain gang. Ford didn't take up the guitar until he was 58, after his fifth wife left him, giving him the instrument as a parting gift. He began his musical career in his early seventies, recording for Fat Possum Records and later Alive Naturalsound Records. His style blended traditional Delta blues with Chicago and juke joint blues, characterized by raw, passionate performances. Ford's music career spanned several albums, including 'Pee-Wee Get My Gun,' 'You Better Keep Still,' and 'Bad Man.' He was known for his gritty voice and guitar playing, which gave his music a unique, soulful tonality. Ford's life and music were marked by his rough past and his ability to convey deep emotions through his songs. He passed away on July 16, 2013, in Greenville, Mississippi. Ford's legacy as one of the last authentic Mississippi bluesmen is cemented by his raw, unpolished style that captivated audiences worldwide. His performances were often described as raucous and powerful, reflecting his life experiences and emotional depth. Ford's music career was a testament to his resilience and talent, making him a beloved figure in the blues community.

Fun Facts

• T-Model Ford didn't learn to read or write due to his early life working in the fields.
• He got his nickname from driving a logging truck as a teenager.
• Ford was known for his wild past, including time on a chain gang and multiple marriages.
• He developed his own tuning method, known as 'in the key of T,' due to not knowing proper guitar tuning.

Musical Connections

Key Collaborators

• GravelRoad - Collaboration during performances (2008 performances) [2008]

Source: Wikipedia

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Cut You Loose (Pee-Wee Get My Gun)
2. Nobody Gets Me Down (Pee-Wee Get My Gun)
3. To the Left to the Right (You Better Keep Still)
4. T-Model Theme Song (Pee-Wee Get My Gun)
5. She Asked Me so I Told Her (She Ain't None of Your'n)
6. I'm Insane (Pee-Wee Get My Gun)
7. Ask Her for Water (Bad Man)
8. Everything's Gonna Be Alright (Bad Man)
9. Been a Long Time (Pee-Wee Get My Gun)
10. Where You Been (Pee-Wee Get My Gun)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia