T-Model Ford

Mississippi Delta Blues Legend

T-Model Ford, born James Lewis Carter Ford in Forrest, Mississippi, was a blues musician known for his raw and unrefined style of playing, often associated with the North Mississippi Hill Country blues tradition. His musical career began later in life, with Ford claiming various birth years ranging from 1921 to 1925, and he did not start playing guitar until he was in his 50s after receiving an instrument from his fifth wife. Despite this late start, T-Model Ford became known for his powerful performances and gritty storytelling, often reflecting on his life experiences that included hard labor and time spent in prison.