Michael Addison Stewart, professionally known as Backwards Sam Firk, was a remarkable American country blues singer, fingerstyle guitarist, songwriter, and record collector, whose life's work was deeply rooted in the rich tradition of blues music.
Throughout his existence, Backwards Sam Firk dedicated himself to preserving and celebrating the art form, often working closely with and supporting his elder blues counterparts, individuals who would later become renowned figures in the music world, such as Alan Wilson, the lead singer and guitarist of the iconic rock band Canned Heat, and the legendary John Fahey, a pioneering fingerstyle guitarist and songwriter.
Despite being less well-known than some of his contemporaries, Backwards Sam Firk's contributions to the blues genre were significant, as he devoted a substantial portion of his life to collaborating with and learning from the pioneers of country blues, thereby ensuring the continuation of this vital and expressive musical tradition.
