STILL playing and touring the world, Li’l Jimmy Reed is the last of the original Louisiana bluesmen.

He is returning to Ilminster Arts Centre on June 14.

The blues was born in the deep South, a wild outcry against segregation, poverty and hard, back-breaking work.

Sadly most of the great musicians who created this vibrant, influential music have passed on, leaving only their recordings to testify to their genius.

However, one man, whose career stretches back to the time when rhythm ‘n’ blues was just bursting onto the popular music scene, is still with us and playing better than ever. Lil Jimmy Reed continues to play all over the US and Europe.

Born Leon Atkins in Baton Rouge in 1930, aged six ‘L’il Jimmy’ taught himself to play on a cigar box guitar, and aged eighteen his lucky break came when he replaced a well-known local star on stage who was too drunk to play. That man was Jimmy Reed.

Thus 'Little' Jimmy Reed was born and went on to play with many of the legendary blues stars who ignited the 60s blues boom both here and in the US.

L’il Jimmy is supported by Bob Hall and Hilary Blythe. Critically acknowledged as Britain’s finest blues and boogie pianist, Bob Hall first came to fame in the rhythm ‘n’ blues explosion of the sixties. Bob’s long-time partner is Hilary Blythe.

A huge success when he came to play the Arts Centre a few years ago, Jimmy is a very welcome return visitor to Ilminster and advance booking is strongly recommended. To find out more or to buy tickets call 01460 54073 or visit www.themeetinghouse.org.uk