Bright Lights, Big City

The laid-back, effortless sound of Jimmy Reed's hits masked the immense struggle required to record them. By 1961, Reed's drinking was out of control. During the "Bright Lights, Big City" session, his wife Mary Lee reportedly helped steady him at the microphone while once again feeding him the lyrics. Despite his condition, Reed delivered his signature high-register harmonica squeals and a slurred, incredibly charming vocal over a hypnotic, rolling bassline. It became a massive crossover hit, proving that Reed's simple, lazy shuffle was one of the most irresistible sounds in American music.