R.L. Burnside - Poor Black Mattie

R.L. Burnside, Mississippi bluesman from the Hill Country, performing Poor Black Mattie in 1984. Harmonica player Johnny Woods can also be seen.

[@RositaCooper]

I love R.L. Burnside. He a awesome man and treated me like a daughter. I dated his son as a teen and no matter where I was or what time I would call he would come get me. He is truly missed.

[@gopilotmusic]

It's really nice to know that about the gentleman. Thank you for sharing. RL's music is the tops for me.

[@Cbc138]

Wow!! You got to know a legend. How cool!!!

[@stereo-ed1yd]

Family ...

[@edwardpotter8342]

I would love to meet his son I'm try to learn Mr.Burnsides songs..love his music

[@tonesmac2208]

U MARRIED? IF NOT, I'D LOVE TO MEET YOU.

[@nuggethead008]

I love how he tries to keep his smile hidden on occasion...you can just tell he loved music and tried to be modest during this filming.

[@BrianCarnevaleB26]

He really was close to his prime in this video, still had a sweet voice with the different tones. Hill Country Blues

[@zoso1980]

Stories from this trip of Burnside and Woods are hilarious. Johnny Woods was constantly cracking RL up. That's visible here with Woods off to the side making little comments causing RL to flash that big smile.

[@entee123]

Tbh I think he's grinning cos he's off his nut

[@hawxhurstdaniel1168]

He was a happy camper with his guitar

[@Jespiir]

RL in his prime giving a great performance of this Hillcountry cornerstone. Truly epic!

[@bertwerbrouck]

This has been covered a thousand times... but no one equals his groove on the guitar. When they kinda do, they always compromise on something: you either loose that thumping bass on every beat or the strong accent on the upbeats. This is far more sophisticated than it looks, guitarwise.

[@trinebean7435]

oh yes

[@andrewwabik5125]

100% LEGIT

[@JasperJames0912]

I've played hendrix for most of my guitar life, while not easy. I can say learning hendrix was easier than trying to get this rhythm down

[@StanleyKubick1]

the upbeat accents almost sound like a harmonica train

[@andrewwabik5125]

@@StanleyKubick1 I never noticed that before, great observation! It’s interesting to see how many layers you can peel back when listening to music.. especially something as deceptively simple as this.

[@EMC2Scotia]

The Blues is the roots, everything else...is the fruits.

[@JasperJames0912]

Well some of those fruits are growing spoiled

[@Guitarmalade]

I can' believe I've never heard that saying!

[@Ae0liann]

Minute Maid will never compare to freshly squeezed🤘🏾

[@samueltexasbelavarga5571]

Willy Dixon said that.

[@whiskeypunkfart239]

Got that right

[@UnPoeteMaudit]

I just had the misfortune of hearing Ed Sheeran's Castle on the Hill. I came here to cleanse my soul.

[@bluesrocker91]

It's alright man, it's over now... Just breathe and let the blues do their thing.

[@nickcliffe6974]

UnPoeteMaudit welcome brother

[@DanPat56]

God in Heavan! Be CLEANSED brother! I threw up in my mouth a little when I read that...

[@kandypatterson5943]

😜

[@wallymortensen7504]

Hahahaha, maaaaaaate, that made me laugh.

[@clapdrix72]

That's why music is so magical. Doesn't matter that he doesn't have a nickel to his name, when Burnside be strummin in groove he might as well be god

[@gxtmfa]

He had quite a bit of money when he died

[@muhammadsteinberg]

You can learn the song but you can’t replicate what’s oozing out from this man…Genuine to the core!

[@manovoid741]

Did you learn the song? Any lessons that come close?

[@Reladan187]

The thing with blues is you can’t fake it. It just is

[@freefree2021]

AGREED! I haven't heard ANYONE cover this song with the same feel or stroke! Even his Son doesn't play it right lol

[@RaoulFel]

A beautiful testament to human talent. You could give that guitar to anybody but nobody could play it like that

[@governmentflu81]

I may be an old man now but RL is teaching me.

[@brucefoley2221]

smile is million dollar

[@thecowboypreacher6568]

His timing, tonality and rhythm and vocals are absolutely incredible. As an beginner guitarist I have that much more appreciation for what he created in that 3 minutes. RL is a treasure to humanity.

[@oscar9680]

For real, his vocals are so in tune with the guitar

[@doubleuponbob3397]

You are fucking right, balls. R.L. Burnside is the TRUTH

[@TheCiaMKultra]

Well Put ! Truelly a Treasure !

[@Baghdadbatterymusic]

This took a lifetime to create

[@trinebean7435]

he is off-the-chain amaazing! from the day i was introduced to him (thru the awesome record 'come on in') and then started listening to old live recordings and back catalogue, i am convinced this man is one of the most incredible blues guitarists ever :D

[@sickbeatsproductions]

R.L. Burnside is a blues GOD, i hope hes in heaven playing the blues when i get there one day! LEGEND!

[@CesarSandoval024]

the timing he hammers on is what gets me here

[@alecpipik2876]

Hardest blues player of all time period

[@SquidPartyGames]

Good teeth too.

[@grahamsampson769]

I agree and all done with only four fingers.

[@Blogdoovian]

RL's rhythm = indestructible.

[@PFB1994]

I've watched this 50 times, it sounds like something someone would need a looper pedal to recreate. He is doing 3 parts on guitar impeccably and singing great while doing so. Brilliant.

[@seon3403]

For some reason, I commented and KNEW there was SOMETHING I couldn’t quite out my finger on, that makes this one of the best songs of all time as soon I heard it I knew. Hearing you break that looper pedal thing really makes sense, I can feel the finality of this inhuman will power through the different tones of this VIDEO, not even a great recording! I’m speechless!

[@PFB1994]

@@seon3403 I've watched this dozens and dozens of times. The guy is a spectacular guitar player.

[@drlepper72]

This is the greatest thing on KZbin

[@mikelowery05]

They need to teach more of this in schools....

[@ronbobele8996]

Teaching this in Clarksdale MS Delta Blues Museum ... kids learning there

[@hammer44head]

This is school, class started when Burnsie started playin!!

[@TheEddieg1243]

He makes it look so easy. I haven't seen anyone come close to playing this song like him.

[@JasperJames0912]

No kidding. He's the king of rhythm in my opinion

[@ryand141]

Neither have I. Master bluesman. Shouldda been a millionaire.

[@gxtmfa]

When Fat Possum recorded him, my grandpa was ecstatic. He sounded just like the old guys he’d hear in juke joints when he was done laying railroad tracks down south and he said he never thought he’d hear that again after moving back up north. He used to make me listen to RL Burnside so I could learn to play like that.

[@bradleycampbell5933]

folks that can play at a high level on their porch or at a friend's BBQ....now there is raw talent. playing for free and hanging out with family and friends HAS to be the best ever!

[@ZeuzBluez]

+Bradley Campbell YEA MAN THAT IS WHAT I CALL PURE heART.

[@okayeffinay1736]

best ever b/c that's when it's real...

[@01Rising]

OK so I've been listening to the blues all my life...and that thing he does at 1:27 still sounds magical!!

[@donniekingston2154]

Riiight, he just opens a huge window and lets a fresh breeze of joy invade all. Brutal ❤️

[@thelonious-dx9vi]

Yeah, and at 1:38 where he picks up the main riff, that ain't no slouch either.

[@TR-yi8up]

The only thing more expressive than the singing and playing was the eyes. I’m so glad he seemed to get as much joy playing as we did listening

[@kob42141]

At Headliners in Louisville, early 2000's RL was playing. I was there for Bodeco, as they opened for him. My friend Greg Martin from the Headhunters was guest on some songs. I was in the front row and showed my harp to RL while he was playing, he just looked at me. 2nd time I showed it to him, he nods his head and I get up on stage and play with him. He had no clue who I was, and we tore it up. Damn I wish somebody had that on video, biggest thrill I ever had playing music.

[@HashiAkitaPuppy]

No one likes unknown harp players from the audience getting up on stage. No one paid to see you, sit the fuck down!

[@Yngsatchvai]

s k evidently Rl did dickface. Shut the fuck up. I enjoyed his story

[@HashiAkitaPuppy]

Keep believing every thing you read on the internet, dumbfuck.

[@Yngsatchvai]

s k this is a very elaborate story to have been made up. Why not pick a famous musician like Billy Joel if you just sought attention? HUH ANSWER ME THAT BALL SWEAT

[@Yourlocaltankgirl8375]

RL worked with harpists awhile

[@Paracast]

one of the absolute greatest of all time. Missed. Legend.

[@willthacker5182]

bygone era. The days of the likes of the RL Burnside are gone. Delta blues were a product of the environment these guys came from. True music from the sole & for the love of the tunes.

[@kob42141]

I just went to the Mississippi Hill Country picnic this past weekend, this style is alive and well with several of RL's offspring having bands and playing there, plus Kenny Brown's band. I highly recommend everyone go at least once !

[@leonkipa6011]

Love how his eyes smile, it's as if to say, oh these people are in for a treat.. Lucky us.

[@Maveriks1010]

the ride on this is just crazy... he just keeps the gallop going. absolute monster

[@jebaj0czeski0marynaz]

rusty strings on cheap epiphone sounds so nice

[@sheriffjohnbird3179]

every time I watch this guy play he makes me smile

[@namnoiz]

This man was a rhythm master.!!!

[@dtvenus8]

That's the coolest blues music I heard in a long time. Makes me smile n lol how that dude makes the simplest thing chug along with that finger pickin style....just like he's thinkin bout ridin on that tractor.

[@ariellehunter]

I think that is the best opening guitar riffs that were ever written.

[@grbmajor6645]

I watch this everyday, and will till the day I die.

[@onethreesix]

Have you watched this today mate

[@grbmajor6645]

@@onethreesix Thanks for reminding me!

[@stevencarrigan1987]

effortless, raw natural talent never ends. Food for the soul. Long may his music feed us.

[@magnumtrooper17]

i bought an epiphone acoustic guitar because of this video, it is my favorite acoustic guitar.

[@norsketilbakeblikk3717]

Try to play and sing this and you’ll realize how incredible impressive this is

[@GordiansKnotHere]

That music matches that smile! His voice is incredible!

[@raiavomwaldesrand1928]

Authentic, pure and powerful!❤

[@tubecrash3819]

If I had to choose 30sec. of music, I would start at 1:09 ...when he get's to the part at 1:26 it's just like a heavy weight get's lifted from my mind. He is such a cool performer, doesn't need to act dead serious. Always with a litte smile, while his music is on point.

[@christosmaniatis3379]

Looking at this guy ...I realize that the most important thing is that music is touching your soul

[@TheEllisQmason]

this is like the greatest thing ever.

[@essej1973]

His playing has inspired to get serious about learning to play guitar. I want to play these songs some day! Thank you R.L.!

[@walkonliner]

laisse tomber tu n'auras jamais le groove..;

[@dalexeiblues]

I've played this song so much that my girlfriend is sick of it haha

[@iancumbers494]

God Dammit this man can play he got rhythm in his bones ....amen......

[@MLG552]

Saw him in a small club in San Diego a while ago...it was fucking lit...

[@jimaberg9482]

What a cool man😊

[@Anopholes1]

thank God and RL for Mississippi Blues.. what a brilliant artist

[@drlepper72]

This is hands down the best piece of music on youtube.

[@douggauzy6258]

Great performer

[@Yossiayano]

Great Hard blues video tnx for sharing

[@TheCiaMKultra]

So down right real ! I just discovered this Cat and he keeps me captivated with his uniqueness ! Must have listen to this song at least 10 times over to catch all his style . So cool that his Grandson is still drumming and keeping his Name in the Scene !

[@jamiearmstrong2412]

Wonderful isn't he?

[@TheCiaMKultra]

@@bits362 Thanks 👍 I'll check it out ! Happy Holidays to you and the Netherlands! Great music transcends through space and time to make it a positive universe

[@Theb4773ry]

His son Duwayne just put out a record with some of his dads songs and some of his own. give it a listen

[@robertowatsiano]

i like how at 1:28 when he starts playin the other part he looks round and smiles like hes thinkin "yeah i know this is awsome"

[@shawni321]

It's like bells ringin

[@pablotorres7436]

Hay algo muy único en el ritmo que lleva el señor R.L Burnside... Parece Blues del Mississippi lo que toca... Muy continuo su ritmo y fluido el cambio de acordes con melodía mas el ritmo. Todo eso mientras canta al mismo tiempo... Gente especial la del blues mas puro

[@alecpipik8297]

This is real real music

[@MrGuitardog22]

That is just Fantastic!! Man' I watched this 10 times in a row .What a great piece of guitar work..Thanks lupine22 for posting and special thanks to R.L. Burnside for creating this beautiful work.

[@MARKIEBANUNCE]

Marco Zorro sound like 3 fucking guitar players there....

[@dawgrogers]

yea...I was lucky enough to see him live on several occasions. I was in a trance the whole time...unbelievable!!!!

[@Keyd333]

That is the Mississippi Claw. Most have to be born with it.

[@BoltActionBob]

What an absolute legend

[@eldorado62]

One of the greatest things about R.L.Burnside, was his ability to deliberatly drop out of a riff, & then get straight back on it without a hitch. One of the greatest Mississippi bluesmen ever. If music can be likened to that of a wheel, then surely the blues MUST be the hub.

[@stevencarrigan1987]

This is as good as it gets. Pure art

[@guitarnut7438]

this dude is freaking amazing!

[@PorkFrog]

1:24 and that breakdown...takes it to a ho'...'nother...level....

[@mikew3959]

Yuup

[@Brokenface]

Amazing!

[@Marco_Venieri]

hypnotic blues. i could listen to this for hours

[@harpgrinder3149]

He learned his Hill Country rhythm from none other than Mississippi Fred McDowell. When RL was barely 18 Fred would bring him to play at fish fries and house parties with him. They're both the Rawest of The Raw! The amount of tension he creates every 5 seconds then brings it back is mind blowing stuff.

[@AlGrubis]

I could listen to this groove all day..!

[@lesflotschantants551]

What a groove in the blues ! fantastic !

[@marccarter1350]

I love RL's smile! I love his blues just as much. There one and the same thing!

[@Defector5]

RL was the very best. We lost him the day after Katrina hit. May he rest in everlasting peace.

[@coravisser727]

this is fantastic i do love it pure blues thank you.

[@cesarespino111]

R.L. Burnside is the fucking G.O.A.T!!!

[@pertiet]

one of a kind. and extremely musically talented!

[@salortiz3528]

Just discovered this man last month and every song I’ve heard him play and sing kicks ass. 👍👍

[@tyussouthern1306]

at 1:28 where he backs off on his right hand just a bit and the full sound of the guitar just blooms to fill up EVERYTHING is so beautiful!!

[@walkonliner]

nous on comprends pas ça mais notre coeur lui comprends..;

[@donniekingston2154]

Like opening a big window of sweet melody

[@p.j.degnan6099]

Absolutely incredible. Sounds like 3 people playing together, and he makes it look sooo easy. So sad I'm just discovering Burnside, I missed so many potential years of listening

[@StiversGleek5]

The blues aint nothing but a good man feeling bad for himself. As simple as that.

[@drlepper72]

This guy is awesome. Could listen to this all day.

[@SavantSvant]

Wish I could play that well! :) True blues master! RIP RL Burnside, and thx for the insperation you left behind!

[@ryanholmes4027]

R.l Burnside a very underrated guitar player

[@pwbpub]

the strumming and fingering seems so gentle yet swift and with great rythem!

[@poettreeshawnee259]

listen to the flavor of the music

[@Yossiayano]

I love how shy he smiles

[@rickmathews9749]

Like he’s telling you a secret

[@williamprice9946]

It don't get no realer than that. RL keeping it real? RIP

[@daanigarda]

i can't find anything this good

[@j3ohnny]

you godda love burnside's groove man!i watch this just about everyday...the guy's facial expression just get me man...

[@kameron95]

One guitar that sounds like 3 guitars. The man was amazing!

[@kelleydonpatterson7556]

man, what great N.M.H.Blues!! running through my ole soul like ah freight train!! Look out now!!!

[@somthingsimplefull]

This is just pure music at its best! You can just feel it. Thank you MR Burnside

[@Trixiepurple31]

This is my cousin I love my family !!!Blues run deep in our family

[@IntombiPictures1]

seriously ? that is awesome. Let me baby ride is my favourite ! "On drums Cedric Burnside" must be your nephew ?

[@999manman]

I LOVE this! My fave blues has always been the old Mississippi Delta blues from way back but this is making me wanna try the Upper Mississippi variant! This is a great riff. I especially love it at 1:27 when he starts that hypnotic, static chord sequence and just as it lulls you into complacency, ten second later it's back into the hardest driving groove I've heard in years. Incredible!!! I have no worthy adjectives to describe it....just enjoy it!!!

[@dawgrogers]

been watchin this vid a long time...got to see him live several times...he was truly mesmerizing...words cannot describe...a true legend.

[@Nativgod]

No one grooves like Burnside, his boom chicka is like no other

[@rodophersen]

It seems very simply: a man and his guitar... But, it is too good!!! I love this Artist.

[@ralphharrison6622]

such talent!!! dude sure can play😊

[@briannagelart]

Loving the Johnny woods chime in.

[@19Tucker94]

This is truly rock and roll. Music made by the Everyman for the Everyman. No fucks to be given.

[@keithninesling6057]

+Elijah Tucker It's not rock and roll at all. It's country blues of the Mississippi hills.

[@zoso1980]

Elijah you ought to educate yourself the difference between blues and rock. This is NOT rock and roll. Rock and Roll is the pale copy of the blues.

[@k0g]

@@keithninesling6057 It's called Mississippi Delta Blues

[@eoinmeany1]

A superlative blues guitar player and singer. can't wait to check out more of his stuff

[@thelonious1234]

This is the best video. It's the best one. Ever.

[@MrRalphcox2]

People on this site need to listen to Robert Johnson,Blind Blake,Blind Willie McTell or Blind Willie Johnson. Anyone of those guys woulda cleaned old RL's clock in a second.

[@akrachowitsch3316]

I love the music of Robert L. Burnside so much. He is one of my favourite blues musician. Great Video. Many thanks.

[@MrMusiq48]

You sir have become a very big inspiration.