Matt “Guitar” Murphy, a name synonymous with electrifying blues guitar, often shines brightest in the collective memory for his role alongside the Blues Brothers. While his iconic performances in the 1980 hit movie cemented his place in popular culture, Murphy’s legacy extends far deeper into the heart of blues music history. Born on this day, let’s celebrate the birthday of a true guitar virtuoso whose contributions deserve far more than just a footnote. Matt “Guitar” Murphy should be enshrined in the blues guitar hall of fame, not just for his movie appearances, but for his groundbreaking musicianship.
Before the Blues Brothers, Matt Murphy was already a seasoned bluesman, honing his craft in the vibrant Memphis music scene. Guitar talent clearly ran in the family; both Matt and his brother Floyd made names for themselves in the early 1950s. In fact, Floyd Murphy’s guitar work can be heard on Little Junior Parker and the Blue Flames’ 1953 Sun Records recordings of classics like “Feelin’ Good” and “Mystery Train.” Matt’s own journey began even earlier, playing with the legendary Howlin’ Wolf as early as 1948, showcasing his skills alongside harpist Little Junior Parker, who was also a band member at the time. Before joining Memphis Slim’s House Rockers in 1952, Murphy’s signature hot licks graced early recordings by Parker and Bobby Bland for Modern Records, marking him as a rising force in the blues world.
Matt Murphy’s impact on Memphis Slim’s music is undeniable. His jazz-infused, remarkably advanced guitar riffs elevated Memphis Slim’s 1950s recordings for United and Vee-Jay Records to unprecedented levels of sophistication. Beyond his pivotal role with Slim, Murphy’s guitar prowess was sought after by a constellation of blues and rock and roll stars. He contributed to another standout Memphis Slim LP for Strand in 1961 and shared stages and studios with giants like Chuck Berry, Otis Rush, Sonny Boy Williamson, Etta James, and The Vibrations at Chess Records. His international recognition soared after a memorable performance at the 1963 American Folk Blues Festival tour of Europe. On this seminal tour, Matt Murphy captivated audiences with “Matt’s Guitar Boogie,” a thrilling showcase of his impeccably clean and lightning-fast picking technique.
The 1970s saw Matt Murphy’s guitar skills perfectly complement the high-energy performances of harpist James Cotton. For much of the decade, Murphy was Cotton’s indispensable musical partner, his crisp guitar work mirroring Cotton’s dynamic harmonica playing. Murphy’s contribution to Cotton’s 1974 Buddah album, “100% Cotton,” is particularly noteworthy; he even penned the instrumental track “Boogie Thing” for the album, a testament to his songwriting abilities as well as his instrumental talent. This period seamlessly transitioned into his most widely recognized role: joining forces with John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd in their Blues Brothers phenomenon, both on stage and in the iconic movie.
While health challenges struck in the early 2000s when Murphy suffered strokes and initially retired from music, his passion for performance and his dedication to his craft led him to recovery through physical therapy. He made a triumphant return to the stage at the Chicago Blues Festival in 2010, reuniting with James Cotton. Sadly, Matt “Guitar” Murphy passed away in Miami in June 2018 at the age of 88, leaving behind a rich musical legacy. Beyond the fame associated with the Blues Brothers, Matt Murphy’s profound impact on blues guitar, his innovative playing style, and his collaborations with blues legends solidify his place as a true master of the genre. His birthday serves as a perfect reminder to delve deeper into his extensive catalog and truly appreciate the depth of his guitar genius.
