Blues Musician. Born one of fifteen children in Widener, Arkansas, much of his early life was spent in the cotton fields. The family, who moved to Chicago, Illinois in 1951, was a musical one with several siblings singing in a gospel group called the "Southern Travelers". In 1957, he formed his own group called the "Rolling Stones", their name soon changed to The "Four Jivers". By the end of the 1950's he was one of the biggest blues musician's in Chicago. His first recording, "Love Me Mama", in 1969, is a blues classic. In 1969 and 1970 he headlined the Ann Arbor Blues Festivals in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Soon after the Ann Arbor Blues Festival he became the first blues artist to be signed with Motown Records in 1971. Between 1972 and 1976 he released three records; unfortunately, he became unhappy with Motown and he eventually moved his operation to Europe. While in Europe, his 1995 album "Blue Streak" won him five W.C. Handy Awards. In 1994, he moved back to the United States. His final album "Reckless" was released in 1997.
Blues Musician. Born one of fifteen children in Widener, Arkansas, much of his early life was spent in the cotton fields. The family, who moved to Chicago, Illinois in 1951, was a musical one with several siblings singing in a gospel group called the "Southern Travelers". In 1957, he formed his own group called the "Rolling Stones", their name soon changed to The "Four Jivers". By the end of the 1950's he was one of the biggest blues musician's in Chicago. His first recording, "Love Me Mama", in 1969, is a blues classic. In 1969 and 1970 he headlined the Ann Arbor Blues Festivals in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Soon after the Ann Arbor Blues Festival he became the first blues artist to be signed with Motown Records in 1971. Between 1972 and 1976 he released three records; unfortunately, he became unhappy with Motown and he eventually moved his operation to Europe. While in Europe, his 1995 album "Blue Streak" won him five W.C. Handy Awards. In 1994, he moved back to the United States. His final album "Reckless" was released in 1997.
Bio by: Babe
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