5 – THE BLUES

The blues was 17th century in origin. The music of the alienated, it was probably born at the exact moment the first African was enslaved. An outgrowth of earlier sorrow songs in which the singer bemoaned his fate, the blues is not so much a challenging form of music but one of reconciliation. Musically, it is completely black and wholly folk. There is no more personal music in existence.

The term "blues" is considered to be an abbreviation of "the blue devils," an expression describing a state of melancholia as in being possessed by the blue devils.

After 1863, when the slaves were given their freedom and segregation began, the blues flourished in the Delta area of the Mississippi and had completely formed to a distinct pattern by around 1880. And by the 1890's, there was evidence of the classic blues progression among the guitarists of the Mississippi Delta. It gradually became a widespread music force in the South, gaining as much prominence in New Orleans as ragtime or jazz and influencing both. After World War One when the population shift occurred and the notorious Storyville area of New Orleans was closed down, many of the outstanding black musicians migrated north to the larger cities such as Memphis and Chicago, taking with them the well defined style of southern blues.

The blues is a socio-ethnological minority music, dominated by African influences and social and personal lyric subject matter often expressed in black Southern language patterns.

As a commercial music product, the blues invaded Tin Pan Alley (the composer/publishing district of New York City) in 1914, brought there by W. C. Handy who reputedly composed the very first commercial blues ever published. Many resident white songwriters immediately picked up on the trend, fashioning their own conception of the genre. Although gaining popularity, it went unrecorded until the 1920's.

The most common blues progression is the 12 bar blues (each 12 bar sequence being called a chorus), but it must be noted that there are definitely no constrictions. Almost anything goes.

THE BASIC STRUCTURE OF THE BLUES

1. A 12 bar, 3 line verse.
2. The first 2 lines are usually, yet not always lyrically the same.
3. The third line is often the summary or clarification. The AAB stanza had replaced the traditional African AAA stanza.

EXAMPLE:

       "My man don't love me, he treats me awful mean
       My man, he don't love me, he treats me awful mean
       He's the lowest man that I've ever seen"

       "Fine And Mellow" by Billie Holiday

The blues involves the flattening of the third and seventh notes of the diatonic scale, creating so-called "blue notes." The pause between the lines allows the vocalist to improvise with exclamatory fills or gives musicians the opportunity to embellish the melody with decorative figurations.

The blues was the most liberating of all black music forms, a way of recognizing one's problems and singing or playing them away.

There were two different blues forms - big city or Urban Blues (originating in New Orleans and featuring brass instrumentation) and Rural Blues (originating in the American South featuring a guitar/vocal combination). The Blues is definitely the root of almost all modern popular music.

W. C. HANDY

• William Christopher Handy (Nov. 16, 1873 - March 28, 1958)
• Cornetist/composer born in Florence, Alabama.
• Nicknamed "The Father Of The Blues."
• Son of a Methodist minister, he began as a music teacher.
• 1893 - Played cornet at The World's Fair in Chicago, Illinois.
• 1896 - Became the cornetist/arranger/bandleader of The Maharas Minstrels for 7 years.
• He first heard the blues sung by the poor during his travels.
• 1909 - Composed his first blues, "The Memphis Blues," later publishing it in 1912.
• 1914 - Composed and published his masterpiece, "St. Louis Blues." Initially a commercial failure, it eventually achieved status as the most popular blues song of all time.
• 1916 - Composed "Beale St. Blues," which later became identified with white jazz trombonist/singer Jack Teagarden.
• In New York City, he founded Okeh, the first black owned record company.
• 1939 - Compiled his "Book Of Negro Spirituals."
• In the early 1940's, he went blind.
• His biggest achievement had been opening the floodgates for the blues.
• March 28, 1958 - Died in New York City the same year Nat King Cole starred in the Handy film biopic, "St. Louis Blues."
• 1969 - The U.S. government commemorated Handy by issuing a postage stamp.
• Other Compositions include "Yellow Dog Blues"(1914), "John Henry Blues"(1922), "Harlem Blues"(1923) and "Atlanta Blues"(1924).
• Hits include "Livery Stable Blues"(Feb., 1918)#7 and "St. Louis Blues"(Nov., 1923)#9.

URBAN BLUES

The blues as a pure music form has only once enjoyed mass popularity and that was during the 1920's. The particular blues style which dominated the period was termed "classic blues." It was a big city style featuring female vocalists generally accompanied by a pianist and sometimes augmented by a small jazz combo. It originated in small clubs, gradually moving into larger venues as its popularity grew. In fact, many artists travelled in tent shows with other variety acts. Although country style blues had been in existence long before the turn of the century, classic blues predated rural blues on record by at least 5 years.

The classic blues vocal style was actually an inspired combination of the blues and vaudeville theatrics. Performers were often labelled "comediennes" by their record companies and their recordings were saddled with the "race music" categorization. The lyric subject matter, quite often extremely risqué, liberally spiced with double entendres and innuendo was so personal or regional that the major record labels naturally assumed that national sales would be improbable and would appeal only to the black community. They were proved wrong in 1920 when Mamie Smith's landmark recording of "Crazy Blues" took the country by storm. The market was soon flooded with blues product. Record companies made a killing, praying on the ignorance of the artists, offering poor compensation if any. The idea of royalties was completely unheard of. Unquestionably, the greatest of all classic blues singers was the incomparable Bessie Smith. It was she who took the blues to its pinnacle of popularity.

By the end of the 1920's, the black female artist was faced once again with racism, this time from within her own community. Darkness of skin tone was becoming more of an issue than ever before. Lighter skinned females were considered more socially acceptable while those of darker colour were dubbed "Ma Raineys" in reference to the legendary singer who was thought to be unattractive. From that time on, the lighter the skin, the more desirable the female. In fact, the world famous Cotton Club in Harlem hired only females of a specific skin tone for its chorus line (see The Cotton Club - Jazz). Commercially, the closer to white, the better her chance of success. Appalled by the situation, many blacks called the lighter skinned women "high yallers" in retaliation.

By the beginning of the Great Depression, the public was seeking escapism and classic blues ultimately became passé. Blues greats such as Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith, whose popularity in the 1920's was astounding, saw their recording careers fly out the window.

THE CLASSIC BLUES SINGERS

Sometimes known as "The Dark Divas"

MAMIE SMITH

• (May 26, 1883 - Oct. 30, 1946)
• Singer/actress/dancer from Cincinnati, Ohio.
• 1893 - Age 10, left home to work as a dancer.
• Began singing professionally with her own backup band The Jazz Hounds.
• Although a top notch vocalist, Mamie Smith was a singer of the blues rather than a blues singer. Technically, she was more of a vaudeville performer.
• July, 1920 - Recorded Perry Bradford's "You Can't Keep A Good Man Down" for Okeh. Sales of the recording were much higher than expected.
• Dec., 1920 - Her recording of "Crazy Blues" (cut in Aug., 1920) went to #3 nationally. Originally titled "Harlem Blues," it was the first classic blues ever recorded. She was accompanied by pianist Willie "The Lion" Smith. Actually, she was given the song simply because white singer Sophie Tucker was unavailable. The recording's fantastic popularity paved the way for more accomplished blues artists like Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith.
• 1922 - Appeared in the musical comedy, "Follow Me."
• 1929 - Appeared in the film short, "Jailhouse Blues."
• Smith was a great influence on singer Connie Boswell.
• Hits include "Fare Thee Honey Blues"(Feb., 1921)#9, "You Can't Keep A Good Man Down"(July, 1921)#4 (re-release), "Dangerous Blues"(Sept., 1921)#6, "You've Got To See Mama Ev'ry Night" (June, 1923)#13 and "Goin' Crazy With The Blues"(Aug., 1926).

MA RAINEY

• Gertrude Melissa Nix Pridgett (April 26, 1886 - Dec. 22, 1939)
• Singer/songwriter/dancer born in Columbus, Georgia.
• 1900 - Appeared in a talent show called "A Bunch Of Blackberries" at The Columbus Opera House.
• 1902 - Began singing the blues in tent shows.
• Feb. 2, 1904 - Married vaudevillian William "Pa" Rainey, a singing comedian with The Rabbit Foot Minstrels troupe. Together, they toured the South and the Midwest in vaudeville from the teens into the 1920's.
• 1912 - Met and befriended the young Bessie Smith while with The Moses Stokes Minstrel Company. It has often been speculated that she kidnapped Smith, teaching her everything she knew about the blues.
• Although she was not recorded until the 1920's, Rainey is considered to be the undeniable pioneer of the classic blues genre. She was the most African sounding of all the classic blues artists.
• Nicknamed "The Mother Of The Blues."
• Famous for her necklace fashioned from gold coins.
• Unfairly dubbed "the ugliest woman in show business."
• Rainey wrote the classic "See See Blues"(Jan., 1925)#14, also known as "C. C. Rider."
• 1923-1924 - Recorded for Paramount with The Lovie Austin Blues Serenaders.
• 1924-1927 - Recorded with her own Georgia Band.
• 1933-1935 - Toured with The Al Gaines Carnival Show.
• 1935 - After the deaths of her mother and sister, she retired to live with her brother Thomas Pridgett Jr., a deacon of The Congregation Of Friendship Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia.
• Dec. 22, 1939 - Died in Georgia of a heart attack.
• 1984 - Rainey was the subject of the Broadway show, "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom."
• Other selected tracks include "Down In The Basement"(Aug., 1926), "Oh Papa Blues"(Aug., 1927) and "Leaving This Morning"(Sept., 1928) (with Tampa Red on guitar).

BESSIE SMITH

• Elizabeth Smith (April 15, 1894 - Sept. 26, 1937)
• Singer/songwriter/actress/dancer born in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
• Hailed as "The Empress Of The Blues," Smith is considered to be the world's greatest blues singer.
• After her parents died, at the age of 8 she was singing on the streets for coins accompanied on guitar by her brother Andrew.
• 1912 - Travelled with The Moses Stokes Minstrel Company where she met and supposedly became the protégé of the legendary Ma Rainey.
• 1918-1919 - Appeared as a singer/dancer/male impersonator in "The Liberty Belles" revue in Atlanta, Georgia.
• By 1922, she had gathered a huge following in the South as a blues singer.
• After performing regularly in Pennsylvania, she began her long affiliation with Columbia Records. Her overwhelming success is said to have saved the company from bankruptcy.
• June, 1923 - Her recording of "Downhearted Blues," co-written by Alberta Hunter, went to #1-4 weeks, an outstanding achievement for a so-called race record.
• The depth and power of Smith's voice were without equal. She was often accompanied by pianist Clarence Williams, later augmented by great jazz artists such as Louis Armstrong.
• Smith was famous for her elaborate headgear and flamboyant stage apparel.
• Her personal life was chaotic. Although twice married, she was bisexual and is said to have had many lovers. Her first husband Earl Love died shortly after their marriage in 1920 and she was married to Jack Gee from 1923 to 1929.
• Her recording of "Empty Bed Blues"(June, 1928)#20 later became a NARAS Hall Of Fame recording.
• 1929 - Starred in the classic 17 minute film short, "St. Louis Blues." The only existing footage of Smith in action, it only confirms her status as one of the most impressive vocalists of all time.
• The Great Depression and a decline in popularity of the classic blues put an end to her recording career.
• 1933 - Producer John Hammond coaxed her back into the recording studio to cut 4 sides. Placed in a more contemporary swing setting featuring Benny Goodman, Bessie's career seemed once again on the rise.
• Sept. 26, 1937 - Died in an automobile accident near Coahoma, Mississippi. One erroneous theory stated that Miss Smith bled to death because the nearest hospital admitting blacks was too far away. Even so, her injuries were said to have been so severe that her life was beyond saving.
• 1970 - Rock singer Janis Joplin aided in installing a marker at her gravesite. The tombstone reads - "The world's greatest blues singer will never stop singing."
• 1970 - John Hammond and Columbia Records began reissuing her entire catalogue.
• Hits include "Gulf Coast Blues"(July, 1923)#5, "T'Ain't Nobody's Biz-Ness If I Do"(Oct., 1923)#9, "The St. Louis Blues"(June, 1925)#3, "Careless Love Blues"(June, 1925)#5, "I Ain't Got Nobody"(Feb., 1926)#8, "After You've Gone"(Aug., 1927)#7 and "Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out"(Aug., 1929)#15.
• Recommended track - "Gimme A Pigfoot"(Nov., 1933) featuring Frankie Newton on trumpet and Jack Teagarden on trombone.

ALBERTA HUNTER

IDA COX

• Ida Prather (Feb. 25, 1896 - Nov. 10, 1967)
• Singer/songwriter born in Toccoa, Georgia.
• Nicknamed "The Queen Of The Moaners."
• During the 1920's, sang with King Oliver's band in Chicago, Illinois.
• 1923-1929 - Recorded with the Paramount label in Chicago.
• Famous for her recording of "Moanin' Groanin' Blues"(March, 1924).
• Compositions include "Bone Orchard Blues" and "Mojo Hand Blues."
• Nov. 10, 1967 - Died of cancer.
• Other recordings include "Hard Time Blues"(Oct., 1939) and "Take Him Off My Mind"(Oct., 1939).

VICTORIA SPIVEY

• Victoria Regina Spivey (Oct. 15, 1906 - Oct. 3, 1976)
• Singer/songwriter/pianist born in Houston, Texas.
• 1926 - Moved to St. Louis where she recorded "Black Snake Blues" with her own piano accompaniment.
• 1927 - Staff writer for St. Louis Publishing Company.
• 1928 - Recorded "Toothache Blues" with guitarist Lonnie Johnson.
• 1929 - Appeared in the first all black film musical, "Hallelujah" with Daniel L. Haynes and Nina Mae McKinney.
• Remained in the music business all of her life, starting her own record label, Spivey.
• Writing credits include "T. B. Blues"(1927), "I'm A Red Hot Mama" and "Jook House Blues."
• Recommended track - "Moaning The Blues"(Oct., 1929).

CLARA SMITH

• (1894 - Feb. 2, 1935)
• Singer/pianist from Spartanburg, South Carolina.
• Often accompanied by Louis Armstrong and Coleman Hawkins.
• On occasion, recorded with Bessie Smith until a fistfight put an end to their friendship.
• Feb. 2, 1935 - Died of heart disease in Detroit, Michigan.
• Recordings include "Chicago Blues"(July, 1924)#15 and "Jelly, Jelly Look What You Done Done"(May, 1928).

TRIXIE SMITH

• (1895 - Sept. 21, 1943)
• Singer from Atlanta, Georgia.
• Nicknamed "The Southern Nightingale."
• Vaudeville style blues singer.
• 1931 - Appeared with Mae West in the show, "The Constant Sinner."
• Famous songs include "My Daddy Rocks Me With A Steady Roll"(1922) and "Freight Train Blues"(May, 1938).

SIPPIE WALLACE

• Beulah Thomas (Nov. 11, 1898 - Nov. 1, 1986)
• Singer/songwriter/pianist born in Houston, Texas.
• Sister of songwriter/musician/publisher George W. Thomas Jr.
• Named "Sippie" due either to a childhood habit of sipping her food or a childhood lisp.
• 1917-1936 - Married to Matt Wallace.
• 1923 - Moved to Chicago, Illinois.
• Feb., 1929 - Recorded "I'm A Mighty Tight Woman" with Johnny Dodds, later recorded by Bonnie Raitt who claims Wallace as a major influence.
• 1929 - Retired to work for The Leland Baptist Church in Detroit.
• Made comebacks in 1945 and 1966.
• 1970 - Confined to a wheelchair.
• During the 1970's, toured with Bonnie Raitt.
• Other songs include "Suitcase Blues," "Women Be Wise" and "Up The Country Blues."
• Recommended track - "Special Delivery Blues"(March, 1926) (with Louis Armstrong).

LUCILLE HEGAMIN

• Lucille Nelson (Nov. 29, 1894 - March 31, 1950)
• Singer born in Macon, Georgia.
• 1914-1923 - Married to pianist Bill Hegamin.
• Also known as Fanny Baker.
• Nicknamed "The Cameo Girl."
• Vaudeville performer who sang refined blues material.
• Best known for her recording of "Rampart St. Blues."

ADA BROWN

• Ada Scott (May 1, 1890 - March 31, 1950)
• Singer/pianist/actress from Kansas City, Kansas.
• Cousin of ragtime pianist James Scott.
• During the early 1920's, sang with The Bennie Moten Orchestra.
• 1930-1932 - Appeared with Bill "Bojangles" Robinson and Adelaide Hall in the show, "Brown Buddies."
• 1936 - An original incorporator of The Negro Actors Guild Of America.
• 1943 - Appeared in the film, "Stormy Weather."
• Recommended track - "Break O' Day Blues"(Sept., 1923) (with Bennie Moten).

ETHEL WATERS

• See Vaudeville, Music Hall And Cabaret

RURAL BLUES

During the 1920's, the females dominated the big city blues scene while the rural blues style was generally associated with the solitary male singer/guitarist. This particular kind of blues, evolving long before the turn of the century, was a single musician's art form and lifestyle, travelling from town to town. Most venues featuring rural blues were usually small clubs, taverns or brothels. It had always been popular in rural areas but it really didn't hit its stride until the 1930's with the emergence of artists like Robert Johnson and Big Bill Broonzy.

Most song lyrics were extremely personal and autobiographical and could often be sexually explicit. One unique guitar technique perfected by these performers was called bottleneck or slide guitar. Sounds were achieved by plucking a chord while simultaneously sliding a flat object (usually an empty bottle - hence the name) up and down the neck of the guitar.

During and after the Great Depression, the genre found its way to the larger centres where it got citified and eventually electrified.

CHARLEY PATTON

• (1887 - April 28, 1934)
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist/minstrel born in Edwards/Bolton, Mississippi.
• Also known as Elder J. J. Hadley and sometimes billed as "The Masked Marvel."
• Learned to pick guitar from his mentor Henry Sloan.
• Worked on Will Dockery's Plantation near Cleveland, Mississippi sometimes entertaining at dances and socials.
• By 1910, he had written most of his famous pieces.
• 1923 - Worked local juke joints in Greenwood, Mississippi with Tommy Johnson.
• Recorded for Paramount (1929) and Vocalion (1934).
• Considered to be "The Father Of Delta Blues Style Guitar."
• Famous for his searing high pitched baritone vocals and innovative bottleneck guitaristry.
• Husband of singer Bertha Lee.
• 1933 - Survived having his throat slit at a rowdy dance.
• April 28, 1934 - Died in Indianola, Mississippi of mitral valve failure.
• Howlin' Wolf's "Smokestack Lightnin'" was based on Patton's "Moon Going Down."
• Recordings include "High Water Everywhere - Parts 1 & 2"(1927), "Pony Blues"(Aug., 1929), "Screamin' And Hollerin' The Blues" (Sept., 1929), "Oh Death"(1929), "Going To Move To Alabama" and "High Sheriff Blues"(Jan., 1934).

ROBERT WILKINS

• Robert Timothy Wilkins (Jan. 16, 1896 - 1987)
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Hernando, Mississippi.
• 1928-1930 - Recorded 12 tracks.
• 1935 - Recorded 5 tracks.
• Created a blues style featuring unusual verse structure.
• 1950 - Became a preacher in The Church Of God In Christ in Memphis, Tennessee.
• During the 1960's and 1970's, continued playing festivals.
• Recordings include "I Do Blues," "The Prodigal Son" and "Get Away Blues."

FURRY LEWIS

• Walter Lewis (March 6, 1893 - Sept. 14, 1981)
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Greenwood, Mississippi.
• Claimed to be an associate of W. C. Handy.
• 1906-1908 - Ran away from home to join singer/guitarist Jim Jackson in medicine shows.
• 1916 - Suffered the loss of a leg in a train accident.
• During the 1920's, worked all over the South, occasionally with Memphis Minnie and Blind Lemon Jefferson.
• Recorded on Vocalion (1927 & 1929), Victor (1928), Folkways (1959) and Prestige-Bluesville (1961).
• 1975 - Appeared in the film, "W.W. And The Dixie Dancekings."
• Recordings include "A Chicken Ain't Nothin' But A Bird" and "Furry's (Worried) Blues."

MEMPHIS MINNIE

• Lizzie Douglas (June 3, 1897 - Aug. 6, 1973)
• Singer/guitarist/banjo player born in Algiers, Louisiana.
• One of the few female rural blues artists.
• In her early teens, began as "Kid Douglas" playing banjo and guitar for spare change on the streets of Memphis.
• During the 1920's, played numerous southern juke joints.
• It was said that she beat out both Big Bill Broonzy and Tampa Red in a blues battle.
• During the mid 1950's, she suffered a stroke.
• Aug. 6, 1973 - Died in Memphis, Tennessee.
• Recordings include "Can I Do It For You"(Feb., 1930), "North Memphis Blues"(Oct., 1930), "Crazy Crying Blues"(Jan., 1931), "Me And My Chauffeur"(May, 1941) and "Can't Afford To Lose My Man" (May, 1941).

BUKKA WHITE

• Booker T. Washington White (Nov. 12, 1906 - Feb. 26, 1977)
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist/pianist born in Houston, Mississippi.
• 1915 - Learned guitar from his father, later becoming a phenomenal slide player.
• Influenced by Charley Patton.
• 1917 - Learned to play piano.
• During the 1920's, hoboed around the South, working at juke joints, parties and dances.
• 1930 - Recorded for Victor.
• 1937 - Served time in Parchman Farm Prison, Mississippi.
• 1940 - Recorded on Vocalion in Chicago, Illinois.
• During the 1960's, emerged as a national figure when Bob Dylan and Buffy Sainte Marie both recorded his "Fixin' To Die." White later became an in-demand act at major festivals.
• From the mid 1970's on, inactive due to illness.
• Feb. 26, 1977 - Died of cancer in Memphis, Tennessee.
• Recordings include "Alabama Blues," "Parchman Farm Blues" and "When Can I Change My Clothes."

LEADBELLY

• See Folk Music

ROBERT JOHNSON

• Robert Leroy Johnson (May 8, 1911 - Aug. 16, 1938)
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Hazelhurst, Mississippi.
• Born into extreme poverty.
• Ran away from home, learning to play guitar from Son House in the late 1920's.
• Feb., 1929 - Married Virginia Travis in Penton, Mississippi.
• April, 1930 - Both his wife and child died during childbirth.
• May, 1931 - Married Calletta "Callie" Craft. He later deserted her.
• Played all over Arkansas and the Mississippi Delta area.
• Became a master of the acoustic guitar often using the bottleneck technique. He was said to be so shy, he often played with his back to the audience.
• Nov., 1936 - Made his debut recording session.
• Became known as "The King Of The Delta Blues Singers."
• According to myth, he sold his soul to the devil.
• His songs and revolutionary guitar style became the single most powerful influence on modern electric blues. British blues artists of the 1960's such as Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page owe a considerable debt to Johnson.
• Aug. 16, 1938 - Died of pneumonia (some sources say strychnine poisoning) in Greenwood, Mississippi.
• Classic recordings include "Terraplane Blues"(Nov., 1936), "Crossroad Blues"(Nov., 1936), "Walking Blues"(Nov., 1936), "From Four Till Late"(June, 1937) and "Milkcow's Calf Blues"(June, 1937).

SON HOUSE

• Eddie James House Jr. (March 21, 1902 - Oct. 19, 1988)
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Riverton, Mississippi.
• Learned his craft from guitarists Ruben Lacy and Willie Johnson.
• During the 1920's, worked in medicine shows and small joints.
• 1928-1929 - Served time for murder at The Mississippi State Farm in Parchman, Mississippi.
• 1930 - Began recording on the Paramount label and worked regularly with Charley Patton.
• 1948-1964 - Inactive in music.
• During the mid to late 1960's, he was extremely popular at music festivals.
• 1971 - Appeared in the film, "Roots Of American Music: Country & Urban Music."
• Consummate bottleneck guitarist.
• Oct. 19, 1988 - Died in Detroit, Michigan.
• Songs include "Preachin' The Blues," "My Black Mama," "Son's Blues" and "Mississippi County Farm Blues."

TAMPA RED

• Hudson Woodbridge (Dec. 15, 1903 - March 19, 1981)
• Singer/guitarist/pianist from Smithville, Georgia.
• Assumed the name Hudson Whittaker after his mother's maiden name.
• Nicknamed "Tampa Red," referring to the city of his youth and his unusual reddish hair.
• Billed as "The Guitar Wizard," he ranks among the most influential country bluesmen and the most accomplished bottleneck guitarists ever recorded.
• A close friend of 1930's blues kingpin Big Bill Broonzy.
• His rich liquid guitar tones have rarely been equalled.
• Often paired with pianist Georgia Tom Dorsey.
• Recordings include "You Got To Reap What You Sow"(1929), "Let's Get Drunk And Truck"(July, 1936)#14, "Let Me Play With Your Poodle"(Dec., 1942)#4 R&B, "Detroit Blues"(Sept., 1945)#5 R&B and "Pretty Baby Blues"(Oct., 1951)#7 R&B.

T-BONE WALKER

• Aaron Thibeaux Walker (May 28, 1910 - March 16, 1975)
• Singer/guitarist/pianist/violinist born in Linden, Texas.
• A self taught musician, he was one of the world's greatest blues guitarists. Walker's lean, strident style set the pattern for a whole generation of guitarists.
• During the mid 1920's, travelled with medicine shows.
• 1929 - Began recording for Columbia as Oak Cliff T-Bone.
• 1930-1934 - Worked with Ma Rainey, Cab Calloway and Milt Larkins.
• 1934 - Moved to Los Angeles, California where he became a pioneer of electric jazz guitar.
• 1940 - Formed his own band.
• 1947 - Recorded his signature tune, "(They Call It) Stormy Monday," later covered by numerous artists including Bobby Bland and The Allman Brothers.
• Elvis Presley is said to have emulated many of his stage mannerisms.
• 1960 - Released the outstanding "T-Bone Blues" album.
• March 16, 1975 - Died of pneumonia in Los Angeles, California.
• Hits include "Bobby Sox Blues"(Jan., 1947)#3 R&B, "(They Call It) Stormy Monday"(Jan., 1948)#5 R&B, "I'm Waiting For Your Call" (July, 1948)#8 R&B, "West Side Baby"(Oct., 1948)#8 R&B, "T-Bone Shuffle"(March, 1949)#7 R&B and "Go Back To The One You Love" (Feb., 1950)#15 R&B.

BIG BILL BROONZY

• William Lee Conley Broonzy (June 26, 1893 - Aug. 15, 1958)
• Guitarist/singer/songwriter born in Scott, Mississippi.
• Former preacher.
• 1924 - Had learned to play the guitar.
• Accompanied many blues singers of the 1920's and later helped define the sound of Chicago blues.
• Dec. 23, 1938 - John Hammond booked him to replace Robert Johnson at the legendary "From Spirituals To Swing" concert at Carnegie Hall.
• 1939-1940 - Recorded often with Sonny Boy Williamson.
• 1942 - Appeared in the film short, "Big Bill Broonzy."
• 1947 - Recorded again with Sonny Boy Williamson.
• 1950 - Retired briefly from music to work as a janitor.
• 1956 - Appeared in the Belgian film documentary, "Big Bill Blues."
• 1958 - Won the jazz critics award for Best Male Traditional Vocalist (Jazz Podium).
• One of the immortals of folk blues.
• Aug. 15, 1958 - After numerous lung operations, died of cancer in Chicago, Illinois.
• Hits include "Big Bill Blues"(Feb., 1936), "Romance In The Dark" (Nov., 1940)#23 and "All By Myself"(July, 1941).
• Other songs include "Trouble In Mind," "Trucking Little Woman," "Bossie Woman" and "When I Been Drinking."

SONNY BOY WILLIAMSON I

• John Lee Williamson (March 30, 1914 - June 1, 1948)
• Singer/harmonica player born in Jackson, Tennessee.
• During the 1920's, he was associated with Sleepy John Estes.
• 1934 - Moved to Chicago, Illinois.
• 1937 - Began recording on the Bluebird label. His second release, "Good Morning Little School Girl" became a blues standard.
• Worked often with Big Bill Broonzy during 1939, 1940 and 1947.
• Helped bring the harmonica into prominence in Chicago style blues.
• June 1, 1948 - Murdered outside The Plantation Club in Chicago.
• Hits include "Shake The Boogie"(Feb., 1947)#4 and "Better Cut That Out"(Dec.,1948)#15.

SONNY BOY WILLIAMSON

• Aleck Ford (Dec. 5, 1899 - May 25, 1965)
• Guitarist/singer/harmonica player from Glendora, Mississippi.
• In the 1930's, worked with Elmore James (who he later collaborated with on the classic "Dust My Broom") and Robert Johnson.
• Also known as Alex "Rice" Miller.
• His biggest success came with his 1950's recordings for Checker Records.
• Nicknamed "The King Of The Harmonica."
• During the early 1960's, worked with the British blues/rock group The Yardbirds.
• 1965 - Released the "Don't Send Me No Flowers" LP with the British group, Brian Auger & The Trinity.
• Hits include "Don't Start Me Talkin'"(Oct., 1955)#3 R&B, "Keep It To Yourself"(Nov., 1956)#14 R&B and "Help Me"(April, 1963)#24 R&B.
• Another notable song was "Nine Below Zero."

BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON

• Clarence Jefferson (July, 1897 - Dec., 1929)
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Couchman, Texas.
• One of 7 children.
• Blind since birth.
• 1910 - Age 13, began working as a wrestler and a singer/beggar.
• Later worked in brothels and barrelhouses in West Dallas, Texas with Leadbelly.
• By the mid 1920's, he was based in Chicago, Illinois.
• Jan., 1926-Sept., 1929 - Recorded over 100 tracks.
• 1927 - Recorded on the Okeh label in Atlanta, Georgia.
• Travelled and played as he went, often on the street.
• One of the finest country blues artists of his time.
• Famous for his flamenco-like guitaristry and distinctive high pitched vocals.
• 1929 - Recorded for Paramount in Richmond, Indiana.
• Dec., 1929 - Suffered a heart attack on the street during a snowstorm in Chicago, Illinois and died of exposure.
• He was buried in Wortham, Texas, 45 miles south of Dallas.
• His son Miles Jefferson became a musician.
• Recordings include "Match Box Blues," "Jack Of Diamonds," "See That My Grave Is Kept Clean," Prison Cell Blues," Cannonball Moan" and "Broke And Hungry."
• Recommended track - "Penitentiary Blues"(Feb., 1928).

SONNY TERRY

• Saunders Terrell (Oct. 24, 1911 - March 12, 1986)
• Singer/harmonica player born in Greensboro, Georgia.
• Son of harmonica player Reuben Terrell.
• 1922 - Accidentally blinded in the left eye.
• 1927 - Accidentally blinded in the right eye.
• Early 1930's - Toured North Carolina in a medicine show.
• 1938-1939 - Appeared in the "From Spirituals To Swing" concerts at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
• 1939 - Met Brownie McGhee in Burlington, North Carolina and continued as a team regularly thereafter (see Brownie McGhee).
• March 12, 1986 - Died in New York City.
• Songs include "Airplane Blues" and "Harmonica Rag."

BROWNIE McGHEE

• Walter Brown McGhee (Nov. 30, 1915 - Feb. 16, 1996)
• Singer/songwriter/pianist/guitarist born in Knoxville, Tennessee.
• His brother was singer/musician Granville "Stick" McGhee.
• 1919 - Age 4, diagnosed with polio.
• 1934-1936 - Sang in the gospel group Golden Voices with his father.
• 1939 - Formed a lifelong duo with singer/harmonica player Sonny Terry in Burlington, North Carolina.
• As a duo, they were popular on the festival circuit during the 1960's.
• By the mid 1970's, their relationship had become strained and by 1980, the partnership was over.
• Feb. 16, 1996 - Died of stomach cancer.
• His only charted solo hit was "My Fault"(Oct., 1948)#2 R&B.

ELMORE JAMES

• Elmore Brooks (Jan. 27, 1918 - May 24, 1963)
• Singer/guitarist born in Richland, Mississippi.
• The illegitimate child of Leola Brooks, he took the surname of his stepfather Joe Willie James.
• Late 1930's - Worked frequently with Robert Johnson and Sonny Boy Williamson (Aleck Ford).
• 1939 - Formed his own combo.
• 1943-1945 - Served in the U.S. Navy in Guam.
• He became a prolific slide guitarist.
• Based in Chicago, Illinois during the 1950's, he was responsible for helping to shape the face of modern day electric blues.
• May 24, 1963 - Suffered a fatal heart attack.
• 1991 - Inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
• Hits include the classic "Dust My Brown"(April, 1952)#9 R&B, "I Believe"(Feb., 1953)#9 R&B, "The Sky Is Crying"(May, 1960)#15 R&B and "It Hurts Me Too."
• Recommended track - "Shake Your Money Maker."

JOHN LEE HOOKER

• (Aug. 22, 1917 - June 21, 2001)
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Clarksdale, Mississippi.
• T-Bone Walker gave him his first guitar.
• Taught to play guitar by his stepfather.
• 1931-1933 - Worked in Memphis, Tennessee with Robert Nighthawk.
• 1938 - Worked with the gospel group, The Fairfield Four.
• 1943 - Moved to Detroit, Michigan.
• 1949 - Formed his own band.
• One of the most powerful blues performers of all time.
• Between 1949 and 1954, he released 70 singles on 21 labels.
• 1956 - Composed "Dimples" which later became a minor hit in the 1960's.
• During the 1960's, enjoyed a career revival.
• Best known for his classic "Boom Boom"(May, 1962)#60.
• 1968 - His "Shake It Baby" became a classic.
• 1980 - Appeared in the film, "The Blues Brothers."
• 1985 - Appeared in the film, "The Color Purple."
• 1989 - Enjoyed a comeback of sorts with his "Healer" album.
• June 16, 1991 - Inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
• As of his 75th birthday, Hooker retired from touring.
• 1995 - Released his "Chill Out" album.
• Aug., 1997 - Received a star on The Hollywood Walk Of Fame.
• 1997 - Released the "Don't Look Back" album with Van Morrison.
• June 21, 2001 - Died in his sleep at his home in Los Altos, California.
• Hits include "Boogie Chillen"(Jan., 1949)#1 R&B, "Hobo Blues" (May, 1949)#5 R&B, "Crawling King Snake Blues"(Dec., 1949)#6 R&B and "I'm In The Mood"(Oct., 1951)#1-4 wks. R&B, (Nov., 1951)#30.
• Recommended album - "Simply The Truth"(1969), winner of the Jazz & Pop Magazine critics poll for best blues LP of the year.

LIGHTNIN' HOPKINS

• Sam Hopkins (March 15, 1912 - Jan. 30, 1982)
• Singer/guitarist/pianist born in Centerville, Texas.
• Cousin of Smokey Hogg.
• Learned to play guitar with the help of Blind Lemon Jefferson.
• 1927-1937 - Worked with Texas Alexander.
• The late 1930's - Served time in The Houston County Prison Farm.
• 1946 - Recorded for Aladdin Records with Wilson "Thunder" Smith.
• 1962 - Won the Downbeat Magazine International Jazz Critics Poll for New Star, Male Singer.
• 1968 - Appeared in the Les Blank film short, "The Blues According To Lightnin' Hopkins."
• Jan. 30, 1982 - Died of cancer in Houston, Texas.
• Hits include "T Model Blues"(Oct., 1949)#8 R&B, "Shotgun Blues" (Sept., 1950)#5 R&B, "Give Me Central 209"(Feb., 1952)#6 R&B and "Coffee Blues"(March, 1952)#6 R&B.

LOWELL FULSON

• (March 31, 1921 - March 7, 1999)
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
• Also known as Tulsa Red.
• Began as a C&W musician.
• 1939-1940 - Worked with Texas Alexander.
• 1946 - First recorded for Big Town Records.
• 1946-1952 - Worked with his brother Martin Fulson.
• Became a major R&B artist in the 1950's but never claimed to be anything more than a blues singer.
• His band at one time included Ray Charles, Billy Brooks and Stanley Turrentine.
• Hits include "Three O'Clock Blues"(Oct., 1948)#6 R&B, "Everyday I Have The Blues"(May, 1950)#3 R&B (with Lloyd Glenn), "Blue Shadows"(Aug., 1950)#1-4 wks. R&B, "I'm A Night Owl (Parts 1 & 2)"(June, 1951)#10 R&B, "Reconsider Baby"(Dec., 1954)#3 R&B and "Black Nights"(Dec., 1965)#11 R&B, #91.

BIG BAND BLUES

Big band blues flourished mainly in Chicago and Kansas City. The latter was the home of The Bennie Moten Orchestra, Count Basie (Moten's successor), Walter Page's Blue Devils, Andy Kirk & His Clouds Of Joy featuring pianist Mary Lou Williams, and The Jay McShann Orchestra featuring saxophonist Charlie Parker. Slow paced, earthy, dominated by droning brass, these orchestras featured lead instruments which emulated the vocal style of the 1920's classic blues singers. In the 1930's, Kansas City was definitely the place to be with its numerous clubs and music venues. Kansas city jazz and blues featured a mania for the saxophone and strong head arrangements (see Swing).

Other major units included Fletcher Henderson, Jimmie Lunceford, Charlie Johnson, The Charleston Chasers and The Little Chocolate Dandies (see Jazz and Swing). Basically, the style reached its commercial peak in the late 1930's and early 1940's.

Blues was an important facet of many of the great black swing bands repertoire. During the 1940's, many popular outfits featured blues shouters such as the charismatic Jimmy Rushing and Big Joe Turner, both who spent time with Count Basie's Orchestra. The blues shouter style was an aggressive, bellowing nasal vocal originating predominantly out of Chicago and Kansas City. Later, several big band blues shouters applied their vocal technique to R&B and rock and roll with varying degrees of success. Big Joe Turner remained popular from the big band era through early R&B and well into the rock era, later returning to his jazz roots.

JIMMY RUSHING

• James Andrew Rushing (Aug. 26, 1902 - June 8, 1972)
• Singer/songwriter/pianist born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
• During the 1920's, worked as a singing pianist in Los Angeles.
• 1924 - Worked with Jelly Roll Morton.
• 1928-1929 - Toured the South with Walter Page's Blue Devils.
• 1929-1935 - Toured with Bennie Moten's Kansas City Orchestra.
• 1930-1931 - Recorded with Bennie Moten's Kansas City Orchestra on the Victor label in Chicago, Illinois.
• 1936-1948 - After Moten died, Rushing stayed on with the core of the band now headed by Count Basie.
• 1950-1952 - Formed his own septet for his residency at The Savoy Ballroom in New York City.
• A large unattractive man possessing a charming personality and a unique booming high pitched vocal style, Rushing was well respected and much copied. Dubbed "Mr. Five By Five" because of a 1942 song of that title and his considerable girth.
• 1958 - Appeared with The Benny Goodman Orchestra at The World's Fair in Brussels, Belgium.
• June 8, 1972 - Died of leukemia in New York City.
• Hits with Basie include "Mama Don't Want No Peas An' Rice An' Coconut Oil"(Nov., 1938)#17, "Goin' To Chicago Blues"(Sept., 1941)#25 and "Jimmy's Blues"(Oct., 1945)#10.
• Other songs include "Evil Blues," "I'm Gonna Move To The Outskirts Of Town" and "Sent For You Yesterday."

BIG JOE TURNER

• Joseph Vernon Turner (May 18, 1911 - Nov. 24, 1985)
• Singer/songwriter born in Kansas City, Missouri.
• During the 1930's, sang occasionally with Count Basie.
• Dec. 23, 1938 - His biggest break came with the "Spirituals To Swing" concerts at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
• 1938-1939 - Teamed with boogie pianist Pete Johnson.
• 1938-1942 - Appeared frequently at New York City's Cafe Society.
• 1944-1945 - Recorded with Pete Johnson. Late 1940's - Became one of the basic forces in the emergence of R&B.
• May, 1954 - His landmark recording of "Shake Rattle And Roll" went to #1-3 wks. R&B and #22 nationally in Aug., 1954.
• 1956 - Appeared in the film, "Shake Rattle And Rock."
• Nicknamed "The World's Greatest Blues Shouter."
• In his later years, he returned to jazz and blues, performing at festivals.
• Nov. 24, 1985 - Died of a heart attack in Inglewood, California.
• 1987 - Inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
• Hits include "Chains Of Love"(June, 1951)#2 R&B, (Sept., 1951) #30, "Honey Hush"(Sept., 1953)#1-8 wks. R&B, (Dec., 1953)#23, "Flip Flop And Fly"(March, 1955)#2 R&B and "Corrine Corrina" (April, 1956)#2 R&B, (May, 1956)#41.
• Other songs include "Lipstick, Powder And Paint" and "Sweet Sixteen."

THE BLUES/R&B CONNECTION

After The Great Depression, many blacks moved north to the large industrial centres seeking work. Musicians also migrated north, the overwhelming majority of the blues artists basing themselves out of Detroit and Chicago. The Windy City became a mecca for blues and R&B in the early 1950's. It was here that the blues was electrified and amplified, sometimes in its purest form and also as the basis for the new rhythm and blues.

In Chicago, one of the great contributing factors in the promotion of electric blues and R&B crossovers was the emergence of Chess Records, based at 2120 S. Michigan Avenue. Phil and Leonard (1917 - Oct. 16, 1969) Chess were Polish immigrant brothers who launched their Aristocrat label in 1947. One of their first artists was Muddy Waters. In 1950, they changed the label's name to Chess. However, it was not until 1955 that they achieved commercial success with the release of Chuck Berry's "Maybellene." The number of truly remarkable blues artists promoted by the label is staggering.

The following artists often crossed the boundaries between blues, R&B and rock and roll. All were a significant influence on the music scene in general as well as being giants in the realm of the blues.

WILLIE DIXON

• Willie James Dixon (July 1, 1915 - Jan. 29, 1992)
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist/bassist/producer born in Vicksburg, Mississippi.
• 1926 - Moved to Chicago, Illinois.
• 1936 - Became the Golden Gloves heavyweight champion of Chicago.
• 1940 - Formed The Five Breezes combo, recording for Bluebird.
• 1945 - Formed The Big Three Trio consisting of Dixon (bass & vocals), Leonard "Baby Doo" Caston (piano & vocals) and Bernardo Dennis (guitar & vocals) (later replaced by Ollie Crawford). Their sound was similar to The Ink Spots. Their only charted hit was "You Sure Look Good To Me"(April, 1948)#10 R&B.
• 1948 - Became a songwriter/session player for Aristocrat/Chess Records and by 1952, Leonard Chess considered him to be "my right arm."
• Wrote numerous songs for other artists and producing many Chicago blues recordings well into the 1970's.
• Wrote the classic "Little Red Rooster" for Howlin' Wolf.
• Long associated with Muddy Waters.
• Compositions include "Seventh Son," "Wang Dang Doodle," "Insane Asylum," "Back Door Man," "Spoonful" and "Hoochie Coochie Man" - blues standards all.
• 1989 - Published his autobiography, "I Am The Blues."
• His only charted hit was "Walkin' The Blues"(Sept., 1955)#6 R&B.
• Recommended track - "Insane Asylum"(1967) (with Koko Taylor).

MUDDY WATERS

• McKinley Morganfield (April 4, 1915 - April 30, 1983)
• Singer/guitarist/harmonica player born in Rolling Fork, Mississippi.
• Half brother of blues artist Otis Span.
• Father of singer/guitarist Big Bill Morganfield (1968 – ).
• His professional name stemmed from his boyhood fondness for playing in a muddy creek.
• Learned to play the harmonica during the 1920's and guitar in the early 1930's.
• 1941 - Began recording for Library Of Congress.
• 1943 - Moved to Chicago, Illinois.
• Late 1940's - Began recording for Aristocrat/Chess Records.
• Waters was one of the very first bluesmen to fuse big city sounds with country blues.
• Willie Dixon played bass in his band.
• In the 1960's, he became especially popular in rock circles. In Britain, he was so revered that The Rolling Stones named themselves after his song, "Rolling Stone."
• 1971 - Awarded the NARAS Grammy Award for The Best Ethnic/Traditional Recording, "They Call Me Muddy Waters."
• April 30, 1983 - Died in his sleep in Chicago, Illinois.
• Hits include "Louisiana Blues"(Jan., 1951)#10 R&B, "Long Distance Call"(April, 1951)#8 R&B, "Hoochie Coochie Man"(March, 1954)#3 R&B, "Manish Boy"(July, 1955)#5 R&B and "Forty Days And Forty Nights"(May, 1956)#7 R&B.
• Other songs include "Honey Bee" and "I'm A Man."

HOWLIN' WOLF

• Chester Arthur Burnett (June 10, 1910 - Jan. 10, 1976)
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist/harmonica player born in West Point, Mississippi.
• Also known as Big Foot Chester because of the size of his feet.
• The grittiest voice on the blues scene, it was also the reason for his professional name.
• Brother-in-law of Sonny Boy Williamson (Aleck Ford).
• Early 1930's - Worked with Robert Johnson and Sonny Boy Williamson.
• 1941-1945 - Served in the army where he frequently entertained the troops.
• 1948 - Formed his own group.
• 1950 - Landed a spot on KWEM radio.
• 1953 - Moved to Chicago, Illinois.
• During the 1950's, made his greatest impact while recording for Chess Records.
• Became famous for crawling onto the stage and howling.
• 1969 - Eric Clapton, Bill Wyman, Charlie Watts, Steve Winwood and Ringo Starr guested on his "London Sessions" LP.
• During the early 1970's, suffered a series of heart attacks.
• 1973 - Involved in an auto accident, resulting in a severe kidney injury.
• Jan. 10, 1976 - Died of cancer in Hines, Illinois.
• Hits include "Moanin' At Midnight"(Nov., 1951)#10 R&B, "How Many More Years"(Dec., 1951)#4 R&B, "Smokestack Lightnin'"(March, 1956)#8 R&B, "I Asked For Water"(Nov., 1956)#8 R&B, "Spoonful" (1960) and "The Little Red Rooster"(1961).

LITTLE WALTER

• Marion Walter Jacobs (May 1, 1930 - Feb. 15, 1968)
• Harmonica player/guitarist born in Marksville, Louisiana.
• 1942 - Age 12, left home to work in New Orleans.
• 1946 - Moved to Chicago, Illinois.
• 1947 - Began his recording career on the Ora Nelle label.
• 1948 - Began working with Muddy Waters.
• 1952-1966 - Recorded for Chess Records.
• 1964 - Toured England with The Rolling Stones.
• Considered one of the greatest blues harmonica players.
• Feb. 15, 1968 - Died through injuries inflicted during a street fight in Chicago.
• Hits include "Juke"(Sept., 1952)#1-8 wks. R&B, "Sad Hours"(Dec., 1952)#2 R&B, "Blues With A Feeling"(Oct., 1953)#2 R&B and "My Babe"(March, 1955)#1-5 wks. R&B.

ARTHUR "BIG BOY" CRUDUP

• Arthur Crudup (Aug. 24, 1905 - March 28, 1974)
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Forest, Mississippi.
• During the early 1940's, he was a member of The Harmonizing Four gospel group in Chicago, Illinois.
• 1941-1942 - Recorded on the Bluebird label.
• 1953-1959 - Inactive in music.
• Compositions included "So Glad You're Mine"(1946) and "My Baby Left Me"(1950).
• Crudup was a major influence on Elvis Presley who recorded his songs "That's Alright Mama," "So Glad You're Mine" and "My Baby Left Me." Unfortunately, during hard times, he sold the rights to many of his greatest songs and never benefitted from them.
• 1970 - Toured England.
• 1974 - Toured with Bonnie Raitt.
• March 28, 1974 - Suffered a stroke and died in poverty in Franktown, Virginia.
• Hits include "Rock Me Mama"(May, 1945)#3 R&B, "Keep Your Arms Around Me"(Dec., 1945)#3 R&B and the classic "So Glad You're Mine"(Oct., 1946)#3 R&B.

BIG MAMA THORNTON

• Willie Mae Thornton (Dec. 11, 1926 - July 25, 1984)
• Singer/songwriter/drummer/harmonica player/dancer/comedienne born in Montgomery, Alabama.
• Daughter of a minister.
• 1941-1948 - Performed with Sammy Green's Hot Harlem Revue as a singer/dancer/comedienne.
• 1948 - Recorded her first record, "Bad Luck Got My Man," issued as The Harlem Stars on the E & W label.
• During the 1950's, worked with the Joe Liggins band and the Roy Milton band.
• 1951 - Signed with Peacock Records.
• 1952 - Toured with The Johnny Otis Rhythm And Blues Caravan.
• March, 1953 - Her classic recording of "Hound Dog," written by Leiber and Stoller and later covered by Elvis Presley, went to #1 -7 wks. R&B.
• A gutsy, earthy vocalist with a big sound and a charismatic delivery.
• Composer of the famous "Ball And Chain," later immortalized by Janis Joplin who considered Thornton a great influence.
• 1975 - Released the "Sassy Mama" album on Vanguard.
• By the early 1980's, bad health had reduced her from 350 lbs. to less than 100 lbs.
• July 25, 1984 - Died at her home in Los Angeles, California.
• Hits include "Mischievous Boogie"(1951), "Rock A Bye Baby"(Aug., 1952) and "The Fish"(1955).
• Recommended album - "Stronger Than Dirt"(1969) featuring glorious versions of "Born Under A Bad Sign" and "Summertime."

SLIM HARPO

• James Isaac Moore (Feb. 11, 1924 - Jan. 31, 1970)
• Harmonica player/singer/songwriter from Lobdell, Louisiana.
• 1955-1956 - Session player with Lightnin' Slim (Otis Hicks).
• 1957 - Began recording as Slim Harpo on Excello Records. His first release was the self-penned, "I'm A King Bee."
• The Rolling Stones covered several of his songs including "I'm A King Bee" and "Shake Your Hips."
• The Moody Blues took their name from a Slim Harpo instrumental. - Jan. 31, 1970 - Died of a heart attack.
• Hits include "Rainin' In My Heart"(May, 1961)#34 and "Baby Scratch My Back"(Jan., 1966)#16.

OTIS RUSH

• (April 29, 1934 – )
• Singer/guitarist/harmonica player born in Philadelphia, Mississippi.
• 1948 - Moved to Chicago, Illinois.
• 1955-1960 - Recorded with his own group as Little Otis.
• 1960 - Signed to the Chess label.
• 1962 - Recorded on the Duke label in Chicago.
• Songs include "Groaning The Blues," "Checking On My Baby," "All Your Love" and "Double Trouble."
• 1969 - Recorded his debut album, "Mourning In The Morning" on the Atlantic subsidiary Cotillion, produced by Mike Bloomfield.
• An intense, dramatic vocalist.
• Oct., 1956 - His only solo charted hit, "I Can't Quit You Baby" went to #6 R&B.

ALBERT KING

• Albert Nelson (April 25, 1923 - Dec. 21, 1992)
• Singer/guitarist/drummer born in Indianola, Mississippi.
• 1949-1951 - Performed with The Harmony Kings gospel group.
• 1953 - Began recording solo for Parrot Records.
• 1956-1964 - Based with his own band in St. Louis.
• He was inspired by the guitaristry of T-Bone Walker.
• 1966 - Signed with Stax Records.
• Famous for his recording of "Born Under A Bad Sign"(Aug., 1967) #49 R&B.
• Hits include "Don't Throw Your Love On Me So Strong"(Dec., 1961) #14 R&B, "Breaking Up Somebody's Home"(Feb., 1973)#91 and "That's What The Blues Is All About"(Jan., 1974)#15 R&B.

KOKO TAYLOR

• Cora Walton (Sept. 28, 1935 – )
• Singer born in Memphis, Tennessee.
• Nicknamed "The Earthshaker."
• 1953 - Moved to Chicago, Illinois.
• 1953 - Married Robert Taylor.
• 1953-1960's - Worked with Buddy Guy and Junior Wells on the Chicago club circuit.
• 1963 - Recorded with J. B. Lenoir.
• April, 1966 - Her acclaimed recording of "Wang Dang Doodle" went to #4 R&B, #49 nationally.
• Recommended track - "Insane Asylum"(1967) with Willie Dixon.

BUDDY GUY

• George Guy (July 30, 1936 – )
• Singer/guitarist born in Lettsworth, Louisiana.
• 1953 - Worked with Big Poppa John Tilley's band in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
• 1957 - Moved to Chicago, Illinois.
• 1958 - Recorded with Magic Sam on Cobra Records.
• 1958 - Began recording solo as George Guy on the Artistic label.
• 1960 - Signed with Chess and had a memorable debut with "First Time I Met The Blues."
• During the 1960's, worked with Junior Wells.
• Jan., 1962 - His recording of "Stone Crazy" went to #12 R&B.
• 1966 - Began a partnership with Junior Wells which lasted for 2 decades.
• 1970 - Appeared in the film, "The Blues Is Alive And Well In Chicago."
• Famous for his high pitched vocals and polka-dot Stratocaster guitar.
• March, 1995 - Released his "Slippin' In" album with piano man Johnny Johnson.
• Other notable recordings include "Let Me Love You Baby"(Dec. 1960) and "Too Many Ways"(April, 1965).
• Brilliant guitarist and colourful showman.

BOBBY "BLUE" BLAND

• See Soul

JIMMY REED

• Mathis James Reed Leland (Sept. 6, 1925 - Aug. 29, 1976)
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist/harmonica player born in Dunleith, Mississippi.
• Illiterate, he was later taught to read by his wife, Mary Lee "Mama" Reed.
• 1932 - Taught guitar by Eddie Taylor (Jan. 29, 1923 - Dec. 25, 1985).
• 1943 - Moved to Chicago, Illinois.
• 1948 - Worked with blues singer John Brim.
• 1949-1960's - Worked continually with guitarist Eddie Taylor.
• 1954 - Released his debut recording, "High And Lonesome/Roll And Rhumba" featuring Taylor on bass guitar.
• 1955 - Recorded with John Lee Hooker on the VJ label.
• 1957 - Afflicted with epilepsy.
• Became a major influence on The Rolling Stones and The Pretty Things.
• He was one of the earliest musicians to wear a harness to enable him to play guitar and harmonica simultaneously.
• 1965 - Signed to ABC Bluesway, later releasing "The New Jimmy Reed Album"(1967).
• Aug. 29, 1976 - Died of an epileptic seizure in Oakland, California.
• Hits include "You Don't Have To Go"(March, 1955)#5 R&B, "Ain't That Lovin' You Baby"(Feb., 1956)#3 R&B, "Honest I Do"(Sept., 1957)#32, (Oct., 1957)#4 R&B, "Baby What You Want Me To Do" (Feb., 1960)#37, (March, 1960)#10 R&B, "Big Boss Man"(May, 1961) #13 R&B, #78 and "Bright Lights Big City"(Sept., 1961)#3 R&B, #58.

JUNIOR WELLS

• Amos Blackmore (Dec. 9, 1934 - Jan. 15, 1998)
• Singer/harmonica player born in Memphis, Tennessee.
• 1946 - Moved to Chicago, Illinois.
• 1948 - Formed The Little Boys blues group. Later, renamed them The Three Deuces, then The Three Aces and finally The Four Aces.
• 1952-1955 - Replaced Little Walter in the Muddy Waters band.
• 1953 - Began recording, making the first of many versions of "Hoodoo Man."
• 1970 - Toured Europe with The Rolling Stones.
• Nicknamed "The Little Giant Of The Blues."
• Hits include "Little By Little"(June, 1960)#23 R&B and "You're Tuff Enough"(July, 1968)#40 R&B.

B. B. KING

• Riley B. King (Sept. 16, 1925 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born on a plantation between Itta Bena and Indianola, Mississippi.
• The most famous blues artist in the world.
• Worked on cotton plantation.
• 1940 - Self taught on guitar.
• 1945-1946 - Appeared with The St. John Gospel Singers.
• 1946 - Moved to Memphis, Tennessee.
• 1949-1950 - Disc jockey with his own radio program on WDIA Memphis.
• 1949 - Began recording on the Bullet label.
• 1949 - Nicknamed "Beale St. Blues Boy," later shortened to "Blues Boy" and finally B. B.
• Famous for his guitar Lucille.
• Noted for his soulful, preachy vocal style.
• 1953 - Recorded with Sonny Boy Williamson.
• 1953 - Formed his own group.
• Dec., 1969 - His classic recording of "The Thrill Is Gone" went to #15 nationally and #3 R&B in Jan. of 1970, triggering a renewed interest in the blues. The recording won him a Grammy Award for the Best R&B Vocal Performance Male.
• 1987 - Inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
• 1987 - Won The Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award.
• 1990 - Won The Lifetime Achievement Award in The Songwriter's Hall Of Fame.
• June 13, 2000 - Released the "Riding With The King" album with Eric Clapton.
• Hits include "Rock Me Baby"(May, 1964)#34 R&B, #34, "Why I Sing The Blues"(May, 1969)#13 R&B, #61, "Hummingbird"(July, 1970)#48, (Aug., 1970)#25 R&B and "I Like To Live The Love"(Dec., 1973)#6 R&B, #28.
• Other songs include "She's Dynamite," "Please Love Me," "Sweet Little Angel" and "When My Heart Beats Like A Hammer."

ALSO SEE

• Chapter 1: Seeds And Roots
• Chapter 3: Jazz
• Chapter 7: Swing
• Chapter 13: Vaudeville, Music Hall And Cabaret
• Chapter 15: Folk Music
• Chapter 16: Rhythm And Blues
• Chapter 17: Rock And Roll
• Chapter 24: Rock And Pop Of The Seventies - White Blues

BIBLIOGRAPHY