Mathis James Reed (September 6, 1925 – August 29, 1976) was an American bluesmusician and songwriter. His particular style of electric blues was popular with a wide variety of audiences. Reed’s songs such as “Honest I Do” (1957), “Baby What You Want Me to Do” (1960), “Big Boss Man” (1961), and “Bright Lights, Big City” (1961) appeared on both Billboard magazine’s R&B and Hot 100 singles charts.

Reed influenced many other musicians, including Elvis Presley, Hank Williams Jr., and the Rolling Stones, who recorded his songs. Music critic Cub Koda describes him as “perhaps the most influential bluesman of all,” due to his easily accessible style.bReed was born in Dunleith, Mississippi. He learned the harmonica and guitar from his friend Eddie Taylor. After several years of busking and performing there, he moved to Chicago, Illinois, in 1943.