A true rock and roll guitarist. Jimmy Spruill was session player to many of the 1950's American rockers. King Curtis, Little Anthony and the Imperials, the Shirelles, Tarheel Slim and Elmore James, and even rumoured to be on Aretha Franklin's 'Respect'.
The classic "scratchy" guitar sound of the era was produced by Jimmy and copied by many. (The one he's playing in the picture from later in his career is thought to be a sawed off Gibson Les Paul).
He released 10 or so singles under his own name and an LP that included the singles and a few originals. Despite his session playing position Jimmy was no shy sideman. He was a showman, known for playing guitar with his teeth (sound familier?) and didn't use picks or any effects on his guitar. The sound was solely the result of his fingers.
Here's his single Cut And Dried.
