Who's Who in Detroit Blues


Detroit, Michigan has been home to blues musicians since the early years of the twentieth century with the migration from the Delta and other southern areas of the United States. Early blues in Detroit thrived along Hastings Street. To learn more about this interesting period see the references listed following this article. Notable among the early blues record labels in Detroit were Big D, Big Star (Bo Bo Jenkins label), Blues Boys, Big D/Diamond Jim Recording, Fortune, Gold Top, High-Q, J-V-B (Joe Van Battle), Modern, Prose, Sensation, Staff, Straight-8, and United Sound System. Listed below in summery form are some of the men and women who have enriched the blues tradition in Detroit in the past and those who continue to do so. This summary is no more than a bare beginning and much work remains to be done. Artists are invited to submit bios on themselves as well as how their fans can each them. Anyone who has comments, corrections or additions is invited to contact us.

 

The intent of this document is to bring credit to the men and women of Detroit and SE Michigan blues. It is known in advance that many individuals will be missing from the listing. All that were identified were included. Details regarding many of the albums follow the discussion of the musicians. Abbreviations used are as follows; (45) indicates 45 rpm recording, (78) indicates 78 rpm recording, (LP) indicates 33 1/3 rpm (CS) indicated cassette tape, (CD) indicates compact disc.

 

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Detroit Blues Society Who’s Who of Detroit Blues

 

A

Adams, Alberta (a.k.a.: Roberta Louise Osborne): vocalist.   She was born circa July 1920 Indiana and moved to Detroit at age three.  Toured with T-Bone Walker, Louie Jordan, Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson, Duke Ellington, Tiny Bradshaw, RJ’s Rhythm Rockers and others.  Recorded on Detroit label United Sound Systems and on Cannonball Records.  She is known as “Detroit’s Queen of the Blues” and was awarded Detroit Blues Society Lifetime Achievement Award in 1977.  Tracks released by Chess Records include the song Remember.   Recordings include contributions to (CD) Alberta Adams-Say Baby Say, Blues Across America-The Detroit Scene, Alberta Adams and RJ’s Blues Crew-Uncut Detroit II, Alberta Adams-Born With The Blues, VA-Chess Blues.  Reference: Detroit Blues, Vol. 2, No. 3, pp.11-17; R. J. Spangler, Big City Blues, Oct.-Nov. 2000; Living Blues, #160, December 2001, pp. 22-29.

Adams, Dwight: trumpet/flugelhorn.  Played with the Blues Insurgents, Dwight Adams Combo.   Recordings include contributions to (CD) Bill Heid & The Detroit Blues Masters-We Play The Blues, Alberta Adams-Say Baby Say, Blues Across America-The Detroit Scene, Johnnie Bassett and The Blues Insurgents-Cadillac Blues, Johnnie Bassett & The Blues Insurgents-I Gave My Life to the Blues

Angove, Garfield: vocals/harmonica.  Played with the 4-Fifths (1965), Garfield Blues Band (1967), Detroit Blues Band (1976), The Magnificent Seven, The MillionAires, RJ’s Rhythm Rockers and The Kenny Parker Blues Band.  Toured with Sam Lay Blues Band and performed with Koko Taylor, Mighty Joe Young and Johnny Young.  Recordings include contributions to (45) Detroit Blues Band-It Shoulda Been Me/Friday the 13th; (LPs) Luther Allison-Bad News is Comin’, Luther Allison-Down and Gritty;  (CDs) The MillionAires-Keep a Dollar in Your Pocket, Blues From The Heart (various artists), Blues From the Heart Volume II (various artists), Cruisin’ Songs From The Motor City (various artists), Garfield Blues Band-Live at Lou’s (various artists), Blues Disciples-Christmas in Detroit I (various artists), Garfield Blues Band w/Mitch Ryder--Christmas in Detroit I I(various artists), Garfield Blues Band w/Leonard King-Live at the Soup.  Reference: R.J. Spangler, Detroit Blues, Winter 1995, pp. 16-18, Detroit.

Ahada: vocalist.  She performed in Detroit with the Sudden Impact Band.

AJ: percussion.  He played with the Howling Diablos.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Howling Diablos-It’s My Party

Allan, Barnard: bass.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Joce’lyn B-Bitch a da Blues

Allen, “Little Sonny”: Hammond B-3.  Played with Little Mack Collins & The Partymakers.   Recordings include contributions to (CD) Please Mr. Foreman: Motor City Blues at the Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival 1973

Allen, Richard: drums.   He played with Randy Volin and with Motor City Josh & The Big Three. Recordings include contributions to (CD) Randy Volin and The Sonic Blues-Waking Up With Wood

Allen, Steve: bassist.  He was born in Mansfield, Ohio in 1955 and moved to Michigan in 1956. His more than 40 years playing the bass included gigs with Luther Allison, James Harman, Harmonica Shah, Billy Davis and many others.  After several years as a Detroit Blues Society Board member, he became president of the Society in 2007.  He was and continues to be a key person in the organization and promotion of the annual Oxford Hot Blues and BBQ Festival.

Allesee, John: bass guitar/vocals.  He played with Jerry Mack and the Terraplanes.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Terraplanes-Well Tuned

Amos, Abe: piano.  Lived and played in pre-WWII Detroit

Anderson, George: vocalist.  Sang with Impact 7.

Anderson, John: saxophone.  Member of Blues Controversy in 2000

Armstrong, Howard “Louie Bluie”: violin/mandolin/guitar/vocals.   Born on March 4, 1909 in Dayton, Tennessee.  First recorded in Knoxville as the “Tennessee Chocolate Drops” on Vocalion label in 1930’s.    Toured with “The Four Keys”.   Moved to Detroit in late 1940’s.   Retired from Chrysler in 1971.  Was awarded on the Detroit Blues Society Lifetime Achievement Award in 1995.  He died on July 30, 2003.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Howard Armstrong-Louie Bluie, Hastings Street Grease-Volume 1 (various artists).  References: David Feld, Blues Access, Fall ’98, pp.51-53; Detroit Blues, Winter 1995, pp.16-18.

Arntz, Paul: bass.  Played with TC & the Roadmasters.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) TC & the Roadmasters-Undercover Blues

Arshak, Mark: guitar/vocals/harmonica.  Played with the Mark Arshak Blues Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Mark Archak-Natural Born Blueser

Austin, Milton “Heavyfoot”: drums/vocals.  Born on August 22nd.  Played with The Family, Luther “Badman” Keith and the Badman Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Luther Keith-Badman.

Ayoub, Al: guitar.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Bugs Beddow Band-3D Blues

 

B

Mr. B (see Mark Braum)

B, Joce’lyn (Jocelyn Bulford): vocalist.   Born Missouri and raised Detroit, Michigan.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Joce’lyn B-Bitch a da Blues.  Reference: Detroit Blues, Vol. 2, No. 3, pp.22-23.

Badami, Ted: played with the Mark Arshak Blues Band.

Bald-Head Bob: piano. Worked with Baby Boy Warren.  Reference: Detroit Blues, Summer 1995, p.17.

Baker, Paul: bass/vocals.  Played with The Curtis Sumter Project.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Curtis Sumter Project-Trials and Tribulation.

Ballor, Joe: Vocals/harmonica/octave mandolin. Born in Mount Clemens in 1955. Played with Royal Oak Blues Band; MotorCity Tones; and Fable, Grable & Bearly Able. Recordings include contributions to Various Artists - Blues For Katrina & the McDowell Family (No Cover) and Various artists - Blues for Katrina (No Cover). Also penned Detroit blues music blog JB Blues (jbblues.blogspot.com).

Barnes, James: piano.  Frequent player at “house-rent” parties (“chittlin struts”) in early 1970’s.   Sometimes played with Boogie Woogie Red.  Not known to perform at clubs.  Born Atlanta, GA.   Owned several clubs in Cincinnatti, OH.  Private recordings titled Barne’s Blues and Blue Grumble/Piquette Bounce released on (CD) Detroit After Hours Vol. 1 (various artists)

Barnes, Skip: bass.  Worked with Kaos, Overdrive, It’s a Secret, The Hatchetmen, B-Side Blues Project

Barrie, Ted (see Tampa Ted)

Barringer, Mark “Mad Dog”: drums/harmonica/keyboards.  Played with Ben Moore & the Blues Express.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) Ben Moore & Blues Express-The Beer I Love, Ben Moore & Blues Express -Live at the Ann Arbor Art Fair

Barron, John: guitar/vocals.  Played with Odessa Harris and RJ’s Rhythm Rockers.

Barrymore, Valerie: vocalist.  Became lead vocalist with Steve Somers Band circa 1996.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Steve Somers Band with Valerie Barrymore-Blue Condition, Steve Somers Band with Valerie Barrymore-Steve & Val

Battle, Joe (a.k.a.: Joe Von Battle) Hastings Street business man, owned Joe’s Record Shop - He recorded many blues and gospel stars including Reverend C.L. Franklin, Aretha Franklin, Boogie Woogie Red, Washboard Willie, Eddie Burns, Calvin Frazier, The Detroit Count, Baby Boy Warren, One String Sam, John Lee Hooker, Sonny Boy Williamson, Little Willie John, Jackie Wilson, Little Sonny and many others.  Joe Von Battle, as he was commonly known, had his own show on CKLW radio in Windsor Canada. The record shop started at 3530 Hastings Street and later moved to 12th Street in Detroit.  He released recordings on his labels J-V-B, VON and BATTLE.  The 12th Street record store and many recorded masters were destroyed during the 1967 riots.  Joe Von Battle passed from this earth in 1973.

Bazil, Jerry: drums/vocals.  Played with the PlayBoys.  Recordings include (CD) The PlayBoys-A Look Inside-the demo cuts.

Bassett, Johnnie: guitar/vocals/harmonica.  Born October 9, 1935 at Marianna, Florida.   Moved to Detroit at age ten.  Started playing in Detroit in the 1950’s with high school friend Joe Weaver and the Blue Notes and became a member of the Fortune Records studio band.  Recorded for Fortune Records behind Nolan Strong, The Diablos, Andre Williams and the Don Juans, The Five Dollars and Joe Weaver.  Joined the service and then lived in Washington state.  Returned to Detroit in1965.  In 1994 was a founding member of The Blues Insurgents band.  Awarded the Detroit Blues Society Lifetime Achievement Award in 1994.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs): Party My Blues Away; I Gave My Life to the Blues; Bill Heid & The Detroit Blues Masters-We Play The Blues; Alberta Adams-Say Baby Say; Blues Across America-The Detroit Scene; Johnnie Bassett and The Blues Insurgents-Cadillac Blues; Alberta Adams-Born With The Blues; Johnnie Bassett & The Blues Insurgents-Live at the Montreux-Detroit Jazz Festival; Blues From The Heart (various artists); Johnnie Bassett with the Bill Heid Trio-Bassett Hound; Joe Weaver and His New Blue Note Orchestra-Baby I Love You So; and Uncut Detroit: Live Blues in the Night (various artists).  Reference: Detroit Blues, Vol. 2, No.2, pp.10-20. Passed Away in 2012.

Bau, Bob: a.k.a.: Bullet Bob/ Bob the Bullet, drums.  Born in Highland Park, MI.  Played with The Carl Henry Band and many others.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Butler Twins Blues Band-Pursue Your Dreams, Blues Across America-The Detroit Scene, Blues From The Heart (various artists)

Beavers, John: bass.  Played with Seven Levels.

Bedard, George: guitar/vocals. Played in the Ann Arbor area for over thirty years.  Played with the Silvertones, Tracy Lee & the Leonards, and George Bedard and the Kingpins.  Style is “rock-a-billy” and blues.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) George Bedard and the Kingpins-Triple Crown, Blues From the Heart Volume II (various artists), George Bedard and the Kingpins-Hip Deep, George Bedard and the Kingpins-Upside!

Beddow, Bugs: trombone/trumpet/vocals.  Played with “Boat Gig” Brigade and the Bugs Beddow Band.  Born May 17, 1953.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Bugs Beddow Band-3D Blues, Bugs Beddow Band ‘Bone Appetit tour-Live at the 1997 Mid-Michigan Blues Festival, Blues From The Heart (various artists).

Beguin, Kurt: trumpet.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Motor City Street Band- Sun Street Boogie

Benson, Whitey: guitar.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) Detroit Underground-Colorblind

Berg, Pete: drums.  Played with Blues Survivors, The Butler Twins, Robert Noll, Lazy Lester, and the Alligators. Recordings include contributions to (CD) Blues From The Heart (various artists) and Billy Davis’ 2009 No Cover release.

Berger, Mark: baritone & alto saxophone.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Al Hill & the Love Butlers-Willie Mae

Bergman, Fred: saxophone/vocals/harmonica.  Played with The Witch Doctors.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Witch Doctors-Barroom Science

Bernreuter, Eric: trumpet.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) George Bedard and the Kingpins-Upside!

Berrie, Ted (a.k.a.: Tampa Ted): guitar.  Played with Tampa Ted & The Blue Knights.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Tampa Ted & The Blues Knights-The Blues…Cover to Cover.

Berry, Caitlin: vocalist.  Play with Blues Controversy

Beschoner, Jim: guitar/vocals.  Played with the Saginaw, MI based The Boogie Monsters Blues Band in 2000

Best, Todd: guitar.  Worked with the Turnarounds.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Turnarounds-Are You Ready.

Bev, Big Mama (a.k.a.: Beverly Jean Hill): vocalist.  Born 06 Jan 1938 Birmingham, MI – died 26 Nov 1978 Detroit, MI.  She worked in the 60’s and70’s with the Red Garter Jazz Band, The Tailgate Ramblers and others.  She recorded a LP with the Tailgate Ramblers/Father Joseph Dustin on Jazzology Records.  References: personal communication with her daughter Charlene Kirkwood; Sheldon Harris, pp. 229-230.

Bielski, Mike: saxophone. Played with the Lady Sunshine & the X Band from 1994 to 1995.

Big Jack (see Marshall Reynolds)

Big Maceo (see Maceo Merriweather)

Big Mama Bev (see Beverly Hill)

Bishop, Andrew: clarinet.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Jo Serraphere-My Blue Heaven

Black, Claude: piano.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Mr. Bo-If Trouble Was Money

Blackwell, Willie (a.k.a.: Willie B./Willie “61”): guitar/vocals.   Was recorded by Alan Lomax on Sadie Beck’s Plantation, Arkansas on July 16, 1942.  By the mid-1960s was living in Detroit.  Reference: Rye, 1995

Blades, Jesse: guitar.  Played in Harmonica Shah Band and the Sweet Claudette SC Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) Hastings Street Grease-Volume 2 (various artists), Sweet Claudette-Ain’t Gonna Wash Your Dirty Clothes and (LP) Detroit Blues Factory Vol. 1 (various artists).

Blankenship, Greg “Wailin’ Dale”: harmonica/vocals.  Played with the Alligators.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Alligators-Uncut Detroit II, The Alligators-Take The Bait, Blues From The Heart (various artists), The Alligators-Gimme Some Skin!, Live at Lou’s (various artists), The Alligators-Ain’t Nothin’ But Love

Little Joe Blue (see Joe Valery)

Mr. Bo: (see Louis Bo Collins)

Bogan, Theodore R. “Ted”: (bass/guitar).  Born May 10, 1910, South Carolina. Died January 29, 1990, Detroit, MI.  Buried: Lincoln Memorial Park, Mt. Clemens, MI.  Reference: Harris, pp.56-57.

Bones, Jimmy: keyboards/organ.  Played with Mimi Harris & the Snakes, The Chisel Brothers.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Blues From The Heart (various artists), Mimi And The Snakes-Paradise, Live at Lou’s (various artists)

Bones, Ricky: drums.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Mr. Bo-If Trouble Was Money

Boogie Woogie Red (a.k.a.: Vernon Harrison): piano/vocals.  Born October 18, 1925-Rayville, Louisiana.  Moved to Detroit in 1927.  Recorded for Detroit labels JVB, Drummond, Excello, Blue Lake and Sampson with various groups.  Recorded under his name on Decca and Blind Pig labels in Detroit area.  Backed John Lee Hooker on many Detroit recordings and played in his band in the 1950s.  Played with Baby Boy Warren and Washboard Willie.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Please Mr. Foreman: Motor City Blues at the Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival 1973.   Private recordings at a “house rent” party in 1972 titled Blues For My Baby and Step Down On It were released on (CD) Detroit After Hours Vol.1 (various artists). Died: July 2, 1992, Detroit, MI.  Buried: Lincoln Memorial Park, Mt. Clemens, MI.  Reference: Harris, pp. 216-217.

Bowman, Kevin: clarinet/saxophone/keyboards.  Worked with B-Side Blues Project

Bracey, Chris: drums.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Mark Archak-Natural Born Blueser

Bradley, Robert: singer/song writer/guitarist. Reference: Detroit Blues Summer 1995, p.12

Bradlin, Jim: bass guitar.  Recordings include contributions to (LP) Butler Twins-Live In Detroit

Brinkley, Kenny: saxophone.  Played with RJ Spangler’s Detroit Rhythm Review.

Brankart, Kevin: drums.  Played with James Glass and the Get to Getting’ Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) James Glass and the Get to Getting Band-Get This

Brantley, Chris: guitar/vocals.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) James Cloyd Group-Thursday Night Jam

Braum, Mark (a.k.a.: Mr. B): piano.  Recorded for Schoolkids Records, Blind Pig.  Studied under Little Brother Montgomery and Boogie Woogie Red.  He recorded with John Hammond and Duke Robillard.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) George Bedard and the Kingpins-Upside!

Bresstte, Bill: guitar, with Blues Controversy in 2000.

Brickley, Brian: guitar/vocals.  Managed the Tap Room in Ypsilanti, MI.  Played with The Martindales.  Recordings include (CD) The Martindales-The Martindales

Brinkley, Kenny: saxophone.  Played with the Kenny Miller Blues Band and the Back Door Blues Band.

Brim, Grace: recordings include contributions to (CD) A Fortune of Blues-Vol. 1 (various Artists).  Detroit recordings released by Fortune Records include Strange Man.

Brim, John: guitar/harmonica.  Born April 10, 1922, KY.  Recorded for Detroit’s Fortune Records.  Worked with Big Maceo in Detroit in the 1950’s.  Reference: Harris, pp.66-67.

Brockett, Tim: piano/bass/organ/vocals.  Played with RJ’s Rhythm Rockers, the Bobby Murray Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) Bobby Murray-Waiting For Mr. Goodfingers, Sweet Claudette-Ain’t Gonna Wash Your Dirty Clothes

Brogan, Ted: vocals/guitar.  Born May 10, 1910 in Spartanburg, SC.  Known for his work with Howard Armstrong, Bill Ballinger and Carl Martin billed as the Four Strings and then the Tennessee Chocolate Drops.  He lived in Detroit the last few years of his life.  He died in 1990.  Reference: Rich DelGrosso, Detroit Country and Classic Blues Society newsletter Bluesnotes, March-April 1990, Vol.5, No. 5, p. 2

Brooks, Emmitt Lee: piano.  Born 1918, Pittsburgh, PA.  Moved to Detroit at age three.  Was not a professional musician.  Was a professional dancer.  Played at “house-rent” parties (“chittlin struts”) in early 1970’s.  Private recordings titled After Hours and Dancin’ released on (CD) Detroit After Hours Vol. 1 (various artists)

Brophy, David: drums.  Played with Jo Serraphere and the Hot Tail Section.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Jo Serraphere-My Blue Heaven

Brown, Honey: vocals.  Was entertaining in Detroit in 1940’s.  Reference: Choassey, Detroit Blues, Vol. 3, No.1

Brown, Lorenzo “Spoons”: vocals/percussion/spoons.  Played with Mudpuppy.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Mudpuppy-White Bread & Hot Sauce, Blues From the Heart Volume II (various artists), Uncut Detroit: Live Blues in the Night (various Artists)

Brown, Olive (a.k.a.: Olive Jefferson): drums.  Born: August 30, 1913, St. Louis, MO.  Came to Detroit in 1913 and was raised there.  Worked a series of clubs in Detroit beginning in 1941.  Moved to Chicago in 1943 and then to Canada in the 1960s. Returned to Detroit in 1973.  Recorded on JTP label.  Died: May 9, 1982.  Reference: Harris, pp.83-84.

Brown, Sarah: bass.  Played with The Vipers in 1970’s.  The Vipers appeared at the 1973 Ann Arbor Blues & Jazz Festival.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Please Mr. Foreman: Motor City Blues at the Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival 1973

Bryant, Frank: bass.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Eddie Burns-Detroit

Bryant, Detroit Jimmy (a.k.a.: Lake Angelus Jim): vocals/harmonica.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Detroit Jimmy-Long Time Coming

Buda, Johnny (John F. Sabuda, Jr.): drums/vocals.  He played with the Sudden Impact Band, Bluetopia, Detroit Underground, The Motor City Kings, Sweet Claudette and Cathy Davis & the Soul Searchers.  He was born on 02 June 1952 and died on 29 November 2007.  Ref: personal communication from Dan DeKuyper.

Bulford, Jocelyn (see Jocelyn B)

Bullard, Pete: guitar.  Began playing guitar in 1979.  Played with Juice, The Susan Pangborn Blues Band, Little Red and the Big Blues Band in late 90’s with BlueZone.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) BlueZone-BlueZone

Bullet Bob (see Bob Bau)

Burnett, Will: guitar/vocals.  Played with Ben Moore & the Blues Express.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) Ben Moore & Blues Express-The Beer I Love.

Burns, Eddie “Guitar” (a.k.a.: “Little” Eddie Big Ed/Slim Pickens/ Swing Brother): guitar/vocals/harmonica.    Born February 8, 1928, Belzoni, Mississippi.  Arrived in Detroit in 1948 along with John T. Smith.  They recorded Notority Woman and Papa’s Boogie as the “Swing Brothers” on the Philadelphia Palda label.  Recorded by DeLux and Harvey labels.  Played and recorded with John Lee Hooker in 1950’sincluding the song Real Folk Blues.   Tracks released by Chess Records include Jinglin’ Baby and Treat Me Like I Treat You.  Was awarded the Detroit Blues Society Lifetime achievement Award in 1998.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs): Hastings Street Grease-Volume 1 (various artists); Hastings Street Grease-Volume 2 (various artists); Please Mr. Foreman: Motor City Blues at the Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival 1973; John Lee Hooker/Eddie Burns-Detroit Blues 1950-1951; Eddie Burns-Detroit, VA-Chess Blues; VA-Chess Blues Guitar and (LP) Detroit Blues Factory Vol. 1 (various artists).

Burrell, Big Joe: saxophone.  Born Port Huron, MI.  Played with the Red Tops Organ Trio and toured with BB King in early 1960s.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Vintage Toledo Blues 1950-1980 (various artists)

Busch, Gary “Willie”: guitar/vocals.  Played with  and co-founded The Willies.  Died January 22, 2004, age 47, and was buried at Bethel Memorial Cemetery, Livonia, MI.

Butler, Clarence: vocals/harmonica.  Born Florence, Alabama.  Moved to Detroit in 1965.  Performed with his twin brother Curtis billed as The Butler Twins.  Died on Monday, December 22, 2003 and was buried in Ypsilanti, MI.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Kenny Parker-Raise The Dead, The Butler Twins-The Butler’s Boogie, The Butler Twins Blues Band-Pursue Your Dreams, The Butler Twins-Not Gonna Worry About Tomorrow, Blues Across America-The Detroit Scene, The Butler Twins Blues Band-Uncut Detroit II, Blues at Midnight-Live at the Attic (various artists) and (LP) (LP) Butler Twins-Live In Detroit, Detroit Blues Factory Vol. 1 (various artists).

Butler, Curtis: rhythm guitar.  Born Florence, Alabama.  Moved to Detroit in 1961.  Performed with his twin brother Clarence billed as The Butler Twins and played with Detroit Dobro & The Back Porch Project.   Played for many years at the Attic Bar.  Recordings include contributions to: (CD) Kenny Parker-Raise The Dead; The Butler Twins-The Butler’s Boogie; The Butler Twins Blues Band-Pursue Your Dreams; The Butler Twins-Not Gonna Worry About Tomorrow; Blues Across America-The Detroit Scene; The Butler Twins Blues Band-Uncut Detroit II; Blues at Midnight-Live at the Attic (various artists) and (LP) Butler Twins-Live In Detroit; Detroit Blues Factory Vol. 1 (various artists).

Butler, George “Wild Child”: vocals/harmonica.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Lickin’ Gravy.  Reference: Blues Notes, Vol.5, No.1

Bylo, Doug: drums.  Played with Shirley Franklin and Delta Drive.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Shirley Franklin & Delta Drive

 

C

Caballero, Carl: harmonica/vocals/percussion.  Played with John Watkins and the Assassins, Sugar Blue, and The Sharecroppers of Soul.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Sharecroppers of Soul, Blues From the Heart (various Artists), Live at Lou’s (various artists)

Cadotte, James “One Shot”: bass.  Played with Bob Willett and the Blues Devils.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Bob Willett & The Blues Devils-Messin’ With Your Mind

Cain, “King”: guitar.  Played with Washboard Willie & The Super Suds of Rhythm.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Please Mr. Foreman: Motor City Blues at the Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival 1973

Calder, Greg (a.k.a.: Buddy Love): drums.  Played with James Montgomery, Bob “Catfish” Hodge, Brian Hyland, Little Anthony, original Motor City Allstars band, Garfield Blues Band, Motor City Shieks, Wailin’ Dale and the DT’s, Mimi Harris & the Snakes and more.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) Wallin’ Dale and the DT’s – Drunkard’s Dream,  Blues From The Heart (various artists) and Mimi And The Snakes-Paradise

Callahan, Anna: trumpet.  Played with the Lady Sunshine & the X Band from 1994 to 1995.

Cameron, Doug: bass/vocals.  WEMU radio personality.  Played with The Witch Doctors.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Witch Doctors-Barroom Science

Cannaday, Little Jr.: guitar.  Arrived in Detroit in early 1950’s. Recorded on the Big Star label.  Appeared at the 1973 Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) Harmonica Shah-Motor City Mojo, Ben Moore & Blues Express-The Beer I Love.  References: Blues Notes, Vol.4, No.6; Sinclair, 1994.

Cannon, Dan: drums.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) BluesAirmen-Motor City Rock-N-Blues

Canterbury, George: piano/organ/synthesizer.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Bluecat Band-Blueprints

Cardon, Phillip, Jr.: drums.  Played with Too Blue Feat.

Carey, Kevin: bass guitar/vocals.  Played with Stoney Mazar and the Westsiders.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Stoney Mazar & The Westsiders-Motor City Blues, Stoney Mazar & The Westsiders

Carey, Paul: guitar/vocals.  Played with Pinetop Perkins, Earl King, Paul Carey & the Nightcrawers, RJ’s Rhythm Rockers, Garfield Blues Band and others.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Blues From The Heart (various artists), Blues From the Heart Volume II (various artists), Cruisin’ Songs From The Motor City (various artists), Live at Lou’s (various artists)

Cargill, Charles: percussion.  Played with Little Mack Collins & The Partymakers.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Please Mr. Foreman: Motor City Blues at the Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival 1973

Carlisi, Greasy: bass.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Cruisin’ Songs from the Motor City (various Artists)

Carmichael, Al: guitar/slide guitar guitar/vocals.  Played with Bluecat Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Bluecat Band-Blueprints, Uncut Detroit: Live Blues in the Night (various Artists)

Carolan, Keith: bass.  Played with Blues Controversy in 2000

Carrier, Bobby: drums/percussion/tap shoes. Played with Detroit Dobro & The Back Porch Project and Uncle Jesse White & The 29th Street Blues Band.

Carson, Edward Arthur (a.k.a.: Mr. Blues Carson, Big Blues Carson, Eddie “Big Blues” Carson, Big Blue): guitar/vocals.   Born August 25, 1923 Statesville, North Carolina.  Recorded on Detroit labels Fortune Records, M.R.C. and Wheel City in 1960s and early 1970s.  Recorded with Bobby Smith.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) A Fortune of Blues-Vol. 1 (various Artists), A Fortune of Blues-Vol. 2 (various Artists), Vintage Toledo Blues 1950-1980 (various artists); Detroit recordings released by Fortune Records include Why Did You Leave, The Night You Left; died May 29, 1990.  Reference: Healy, 1998.

Carter, Joe L. (a.k.a.: Joe L.): vocals.  Known for the song Please Mr. Foreman.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Please Mr. Foreman: Motor City Blues at the Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival 1973.  Reference: Sinclair, 1994.

Carter, Tina: vocals.  Played with Ben Moore & the Blues Express.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) Ben Moore & Blues Express-The Beer I Love

Caston, Bobby: Played with Bopbby Caston and the Detroiters.  Recorded on Staff Records.  Reference: Detroit Blues, Summer 1995, p. 17.

Cavender, Dave: trumpet.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Terraplanes-Well Tuned

Cee Cee: vocalist (see Cheryl Collins)

Chaney, James: tenor saxophone.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Chicago Pete-The Blues is Alright

Chandler, Roderick ‘Peanut’: electric bass.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Little Sunny-Blues With A Feeling (The Ann Arbor Blues & Jazz Festival)

Chapman, Earl: recordings include contributions to (CD) A Fortune of Blues-Vol. 1 (various Artists).  Detroit recordings released by Fortune Records include Take Two Steps Back.

Chef Chris: (a.k.a.: Chris Sirvinskis): vocals/harmonica.  Played with The Witch Doctors and with Chef Chris & the Nairobi Trio.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Chef Chris is the Real Mr. Big Stuff, The Witch Doctors-Barroom Science

Chicago Pete (see Alford Obsie Harrell, Sr.)

Chilla, Joe: drums.  Played with The Boogie Men.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Boogie Men-Released for Production (4 track demo)

Chillis, Nathaniel: saxophone.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Sweet Claudette-Linament & Collard Greens

Chapman, Earl: recordings include contributions to (CD) A Fortune of Blues-Vol. 2 (various Artists); Detroit recordings released by Fortune Records include Love You Baby

Christina, Fran: drums.  Played with The Vipers in 1970’s.  The Vipers appeared at the 1973 Ann Arbor Blues & Jazz Festival.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Please Mr. Foreman: Motor City Blues at the Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival 1973

Christopher, Patrick: bass.  Played with The Blues Rays.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Blue Rays-Shake Shuffle & Grind

Chuck, Big Daddy: drums. Recordings include contributions to (LP) Detroit Blues Factory Vol. 1 (various artists).

Chylinski, Mark: guitar.  Played with the City Limits Blues Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) City Limits Blues Band-So Many Roads, Blues From The Heart (various artists), Live at Lou’s (various artists)

Claudette, “Sweet” (see Claudette Harrell)

Clayton, Paul “Big Rufus”: harmonica.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Glen Eddy Band-Hot Smoke, Tony Valentino-People I Got ‘em Bad

Cleary, Chuck: guitar.  Played with Too Blue Feat.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Too Blue Feat-All Choked Up, Too Blue Feat-Blues of theBurbs

Cleaver, Johnny: drums. Recordings include contributions to (LP) Detroit Blues Factory Vol. 1 (various artists).

Cloyd, James: bass/vocals/guitar/percussion.  Grew up in Chicago.  Moved to Detroit.  Played with The Sharecroppers of Soul, The James Cloyd Band and with John Watkins and the Assassins.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Sharecroppers of Soul, James Cloyd Group-Thursday Night Jam, Blues From the Heart (various Artists), Live at Lou’s (various artists)

Coachman, Famous (a.k.a.: Aaron Benjamin Coachman): radio personality/blues promoter.  Born in Pensacola, FL (circa 1924).  Arrived in Detroit in 1947.  Was a radio DJ for 30 years including a program on WGPR-FM and then 21 years with WDET-FM (Blues After Hours).  Owned a Detroit record store known as Coachman Records. Widely respected in the blues community for featuring the blues on his radio shows when few others would do so.  Died December 24, 2000, Detroit, MI.

Codish, Bob: song writer/vocalist/guitar.  Wrote a number of songs recorded by Johnnie Bassett.  Designed the Detroit Blues Society logo.  Reference: Blues Notes, Vol. 5, No.4

Codish, Chris: electric piano/Hammond B-3/organ bass/vocals/song writer.  Played and recorded with Johnnie Bassett, Brothers Groove and Black Beauty.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs): Pete “Big Dog” Fetters-Thunderbird Wine; Blues Across America-The Detroit Scene; Randy Volin & The Sonic Blues-Used Guitars; Randy Volin and The Sonic Blues-Waking Up With Wood; Black Beauty-SeÔor Smoke; Johnnie Bassett and The Blues Insurgents-Cadillac Blues; Johnnie Bassett & The Blues Insurgents-Live at the Montreux-Detroit Jazz Festival; Blues From the Heart (various Artists); Johnnie Bassett & The Blues Insurgents-I Gave My Life to the Blues; Blues From the Heart Volume II (various artists-Chris plays with Big Jack Johnson & The Oilers and Robert Noll & The Mission); Cruisin’ Songs From The Motor City (various artists); Howling Diablos-It’s My Party; and Thornetta Davis-Sunday Morning Music, Pat Savage Band-Made In Detroit.

Cohassey, John: guitar.  Played with the Blues Survivors.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Blues From The Heart (various artists)

Cole, Evelyn: vocals.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Uncle Jessie White & The 29th Street Band

Collins, Cheryl ‘C.C’ (a.k.a.: Cee Cee): vocalist. Born on August 24th.  Began singing professionally at age 15.  Worked in Atlanta, GA and in Madrid, Spain.  She and Bill “LZ” Dybek were original members of the Detroit Underground Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs): Detroit Underground Band-Live, Detroit Underground Band-Colorblind.

Collins, McKindley “Little Mack”: guitar/bass.  Born: June 6, 1929 in Mississippi.  Was the brother of Louis “Mr. Bo” Collins.  Moved to Detroit in 1950.  Played with Mr. Bo and His Blues Boys and wrote the Mr. Bo hit If Trouble Was Money.  Appeared at the 1973 Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival with his band The Partymakers Incorporated.  Recordings include contributions to I’m Leaving This Town, Times Hard, Live My Life All Over, Until the Day I Die, Hard Times Once More, The Train, Heartache and Troubles, Calipso Blues, I Ain’t Gonna Suffer, If Trouble Was Money, Lost Love Affair-Pt.1, Lost Love Affair-Pt.2, Santa’s On His Way, Let’s Go to the Party and (CD) Please Mr. Foreman: Motor City Blues at the Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival 1973.  Died: February 4, 1997, Detroit, MI.  References: Cohassey, Detroit Blues, Vol.3, No.1, p.54; Sinclair, 1994.

Collins, Louis Bo (a.k.a.: “Mr. Bo”): guitar/vocals.   Born April 7, 1932, Indianola, Mississippi.  Arrived in Detroit in early 1950’s.  Fronted his band, Mr. Bo and his Blues Boys, and other names.  Bo and singer Lee Rogers founded Gold Top Records.  Recorded with Detroit labels Blues Boys, Big D and Gold Top.  Was the brother of Little Mack Collins.  Was awarded the Detroit Blues Society Lifetime Achievement Award in 1995.  Guitar style was very similar to that of BB King.  Recorded on Northern Records and others.  Recordings include contributions to I’m Leaving This Town, Times Hard, Live My Life All Over, Until the Day I Die, Hard Times Once More, The Train, Heartache and Troubles, Calipso Blues, I Ain’t Gonna Suffer, If Trouble Was Money, Lost Love Affair-Pt.1, Lost Love Affair-Pt.2, Santa’s On His Way, Let’s Go to the Party, Early in the Morning, Never Love Again, Baby Your Hair Looks Bad, Night Walkers,Plenty Fire Down Below Pt.1, Plenty Fire Down Below Pt.1, Don’t Want No Woman, Strange Things Happenning (unreleased?), Everyday I Have the Blues (unreleased?) and  (CDs) Please Mr. Foreman: Motor City Blues at the Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival 1973, Mr. Bo-If Trouble Was Money. Died at Detroit’s Harper Hospital 19 September 1995 and was buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Detroit.  References: Harris, p.127; Blues Notes, Vol.5, No.3; Sinclair, 1994.

Collins, Cheryl “C.C.”/”Cee Cee”: vocalist.  Played with Detroit Underground.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) Detroit Underground-Live, Detroit Underground-Colorblind

Conlin, Andy: drums.  Played with Al Hill and the Love Butlers.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Motor City Shieks-Working Everyday, Al Hill and the Love Butlers-Uncut Detroit II, Al Hill & the Love Butlers-Willie Mae

Conner, Bob: upright (acoustic) bass.  Played with The Magnificent Seven, The MillionAires and the Rhythm Rockers.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The MillionAires-Keep a Dollar in Your Pocket, Joe Weaver and His New Blue Note Orchestra-Baby I Love You So, Uncut Detroit: Live Blues in the Night (various Artists)

Conners, “Machine Gun” Kelly: saxophone/vocals.  Played with the Machine Gun Kelly Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) Detroit Underground-Colorblind, The Curtis Sumter Project-Trials and Tribulation, Machine Gun Kelly Band-Holes in the Wall (that we’ve known)

Conrad, Marvin: bass.  Played with Mystery Train.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Mystery Train-Uncut Detroit II, Mystery Train-Love Lost

Cooper, Billy “King of the World”: guitar.  Played with the Regular Boys, Mimi Harris & the Snakes.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Regular Boys-Right From Wrong, Blues From The Heart (various artists), Mimi And The Snakes-Paradise

Cooper, Brandon: trumpet.  Played with Steve Somers Band with Valerie Barrymore.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Steve Somers Band with Valerie Barrymore-Blue Condition, George Bedard and the Kingpins-Hip Deep

Cox, Kenny: piano.  Born November 8, 1940, Detroit, MI.  Started as a professional in 1958.  Sspent six years playing in Manhattan, NY.  Returned to Detroit circa 1965

Crasie, Calvin: Born February 16, 1915.  Recorded by the Library of Congress in Detroit in 1938.  Died September 23, 1972, Detroit, MI.  Buried: United Memorial Gardens, Plymouth, MI.

Cressman, Stacia: vocalist/song writer/rhythm guitar.  Played with Blues Uprising, Rhythm Street, Stacia & the Sage Bros, BlueZone and the B-Side Blues Project

Crisswell, Melvin: bass guitar.  Played with the Sudden Impact Band.

Crist, Rob: guitar.  Played in Boston, Minneapolis, Philadelphia and then in Detroit.with BlueZone.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) BlueZone-BlueZone

Croft, Mark: trumpet.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Luther Keith-Badman.

Crongeyer, Colleen “Sunny Girl”: vocalist/harmonica.  Began playing harmonica at age four, became a professional about age seven.

Cubie: vocals.  Played with the Hastings Street Blues Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) the Hastings Street Blues Band-Down on Hastings Street

Curcuru, Tom: bass guitar.  Played with Tampa Ted & The Blue Knights.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Tampa Ted & The Blues Knights-The Blues…Cover to Cover.

Czabot, Gary: guitar.  Played with the Chisel Brothers.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Blues From the Heart (various Artists), Uncut Detroit: Live Blues in the Night (various Artists)

 

D

D., Odell “Blues Boy”: vocals.  Born Delhi, Louisiana.  Father was Sylvester McDowell.  Moved to Detroit at age ten.  Formed the Louisiana Heat Band in 1988.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Blues at Midnight-Live at the Attic (various artists)

Dahl, Geoff: electric bass/harmonica.  Played with The Old Chicago Blues Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Chicago Pete-The Blues is Alright

Daldin, Tommy “Two-Tubs”: drums.  Played with Motor City Bluez Project.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Live at Lou’s

Dale, Tom: saxophone/organ.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Mark Archak-Natural Born Blueser

Dane, Barbara: (guitar/piano).  Born: May 12, 1927, Detroit, MI.  She lived there until 1948.  Reference: Harris, pp. 140-142.

Dangerous Dan (see Dan Mong)

Daniele, Dave: keyboards/sax/vocals.  Played with the Witch Doctors.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Blue Rose-Rock Me Low, The Witch Doctors-Barroom Science

Daniels, Cleo: bass guitar/drums.  Played with The Delta Children.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Delta Children-The Florence Berg Project

Davenport, Charles “Cow Cow”: (piano).  He was from Alabama.  Often played in Detroit beginning in the 1920s but not a permanent resident.  Reference: Cohassey, Detroit Blues, Vol.3, No.1, p.12; Lowry, 1973.

David, Jim: keyboards/organ.  Played with Motor City Josh & The Big Three.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Luther Keith-Badman, Uncut Detroit: Live Blues in the Night (various Artists)

Davidson, George: lived in Detroit; in 1960’s was with the Paul Butterfield Band.

Davis, Billy: guitar/vocals.  Moved to Detroit in 1951.  He has recorded with Hank Ballard, Millie Jackson and the Isley Brothers.  It is reported the he gave Jimi Hendrix his first Telecaster.  He has performed with BB King, Little Johnny Taylor, Jackie Wilson and Little Sonny Willis.   Recordings include contributions to (LP) Detroit Blues Factory Vol. 1 (various artists).

Davis, Ms Cathy: vocalist.  Born Detroit, Michigan on March 19, 1954.  Played with Ms, Cathy Davis & the Rhythm Bonz.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Tony Valentino-People I Got ‘em Bad, Blues at Midnight-Live at the Attic (various artists), The Curtis Sumter Project-Trials and Tribulation.

Davis, Thornetta: vocalist “DETROIT’S QUEEN OF BLUES” 2018 KRESGE FELLOWSHIP AWARD RECIEPIENT 

Thornetta Davis has performed Blues in her hometown Detroit Mi for 30 years. Starting with the band the Chisel Brothers in 1988.  Soon after joining the Chisels Thornetta began gaining attention from the Blues lovers as someone to watch. After almost a decade Thornetta decided to record her 1st solo album “Sunday Morning Music” with a band name Big Chief released in 1996 on the Indie rock label “Subpop”.  Thornetta’s next recording was "Thornetta Davis Covered Live at the Music Menu” which won Best Blues Recording in the 2001 DMAs 

 

Thornetta, was awarded by the Detroit Blues Society the 2008 “Living Lifetime Achievement Award” and awarded a star on the Canada South Blues Museum “Walk of Fame”.  In 2015 Thornetta was crowned “Detroit’s Queen of the Blues!” in a ceremony by the Detroit Blues Society, with proclamations from the City of Detroit, County of Wayne and the State of Michigan. Her labor of love CD entitled Honest Woman released in 2016 was nominated by the Blues Foundation, for two 2017 Blues Music Awards, for best song (I gotta sang the blues) and emerging artist CD. As a winner of over 30 Detroit Music Awards, Thornetta recently received six 2018 DMA’s and has also won eight 2017 Detroit Music Awards, which include Outstanding Record Producer, Outstanding Blues Recording, Outstanding Blues Vocalist and Outstanding Live Performance. The Winner of the 2017 Blues Blast Magazine Music Awards for “Best Soul/Blues Album, Big City Rhythm & Blues Magazine “Coolest Blues Song” Thornetta has garnered international attention by winning 2017 1st place in the ISC songwriting contest for “Best Blues Song” (I BELIEVE EVERYTHING IS GONNA BE ALRIGHT) and the prestigious French 2018 La Academie du Jazz Award for “Best Blues Album” for cd HONEST WOMAN. For more info on Thornetta Davis please go to

Dawson, Bernard: drums.  He is the son of Duke Dawson.  Played with the Butler Twins Blues Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Butler Twins-The Butler’s Boogie, The Butler Twins Blues Band-Uncut Detroit II, Blues at Midnight-Live at the Attic (various artists)

Dawson, Horace “Duke”: drums.  Played with Mr. Bo and his Blues Boys, Uncle Jesse White and the 29th Street Blues Band, Harmonica Shah Blues Band and C. J. Morris and his Back Alley Blues Band.  Recordings include contributions to I’m Leaving This Town, Times Hard, Live My Life All Over, Until the Day I Die, Hard Times Once More, The Train, Heartache and Troubles, Calipso Blues, I Ain’t Gonna Suffer, If Trouble Was Money, Lost Love Affair-Pt.1, Lost Love Affair-Pt.2, Santa’s On His Way, Let’s Go to the Party and  (CDs) Hastings Street Grease-Volume 1 (various artists), Hastings Street Grease-Volume 2 (various artists), Harmonica Shah-Motor City Mojo and (LP) Butler Twins-Live In Detroit.   References: Blues Notes, Vol.5, No.6, Detroit Blues, Spring 1995, p.8. 

Day, Jerome: drums.  Played with the Howling Diablos.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Howling Diablos-It’s My Party

Debbaudt, Dennis: bass.   Played with The Corruptors and Luther “Bad Man” Keith Band.   Recordings include contributions to (CD) Luther Keith-Badman, Sweet Claudette-Linament & Collard Greens. Reference: Blues Notes, Vol.5, No.9

Decker, Doug: Hammond organ.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Big Foot Bob and the Toe Tappers-Music 2 Tap Your Toes 2

DeCobra, Vinnie (a.k.a.: Vinnie D): drums.  Played with The Sharecroppers of Soul and with Randy Volin.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Sharecroppers of Soul

DeKuyper, Dan: vocals/guitar/slide guitar/bass guitar/producer.  As of May 2008 he is working with Pat O’Hern, Jimmy Taylor and the BlueHawks.  He has played with Sweet Claudette and Friends, The George Johnston Blues Band, Billy Rena’s Blues Junction, Sunny Girl & Detroit Automatix, Blue Matter, The Glen Eddy Band, Tampa Ted & The Blue Knights, Instant Blue, The Sunny Girl Band, The Blue Bohemians and Detroit Underground All-Stars.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs): The Glen Eddy Band-Hot Smoke; Tampa Ted &The Blue Knights-The Blues…Cover to Cover; Sunny Girl-Mother Earth…It’s Tyme to Tune Up; Instant Blue-Captured Live at the Barbeque and (video) Detroit Public Television-Blues Detroit Style; Sweet Claudette and Friends-Live and Kickin.

Delgrosso, Rich: mandolin/guitar/vocals.  He was a founding member of the Detroit Blues Society; Recordings include contributions to contributions to (CD) Uncle Jessie White & The 29th Street Band

Delpup, Kevin: drums.  Kevin studied music at Wayne State University in Detroit.  Played with BlueZone.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) BlueZone-BlueZone

DeLisle, T.C.: vocals/guitar.  Played with TC & the Roadmasters.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) TC & the Roadmasters-Undercover Blues

DeLuca, Vince: saxophone.  Played with the Steve Somers Band.  Recordings include contributions to contributions to (CD) Steve Somers Band with Valerie Barrymore-Steve & Val

Deming, Doug: Guitar/vocals.  Played with The Jewel Tones, The Blue Suit Blues Band, RJ’s Blues Crew, The Magnificent 7,  and The MillionAires.  The Blue Suit Blues Band became The Blue Suit Band and then in 2002 became The Jewel Tones.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) Doug Deming & the Jewel Tones – Double Down, Alberta Adams-Say Baby Say, Harmonica Shah-Motor City Mojo, The MillionAires-Keep a Dollar in Your Pocket, Uncut Detroit: Live Blues in the Night (various Artists), Alberta Adams and RJ’s Blues Crew-Uncut Detroit II (various artists), Blues From The Heart (various artists)

DeNardo, Tony: bass guitar/vocals.  Grew up in Detroit and started playing at age 21.  Co-founded the band Fat Belly Brown with Daniel Methric and Ron Teno.  Played with the band The Muggs, and with Vince Knight and The Daze along with Daniel Methric.   Joined the Detroit Underground Band circa 1998. Played with the Muggs.   Recordings include contributions to (CDs) Detroit Underground Band-Live, Detroit Underground Band-Colorblind

Detroit Count (see Bob White)

Detroit Dobro (see Roy Heidreich)

Detoit Jimmy (see Detroit Jimmy Bryant)

Detroit Johnny (see Johnny O)

Detroit Junior (a.k.a.: Emery Williams): piano/guitar.  Born in October 6, 1932, Alabama.  Moved to Detroit and then to Chicago in early 1950’s.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Hastings Street Grease-Volume 1 (various artists).  Reference: Harris, pp. 563-564.

Detroit Piano Fats, (a.k.a.: Eugene Foster): piano/vocals.  Born July 27, 1928 and died February 22, 1999.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) Hastings Street Grease-Volume 1 (various artists),  Hastings Street Grease-Volume 2 (various artists), Harmonica Shah-Motor City Mojo

Detroit Red (see Rufus Perryman)

Detroit Willie: harmonica.  Appeared at the 1973 Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival.  Reference: Sinclair, 1994.

Devine, guitar/vocals.  Played with Jo Serraphere and the Hot Tail Section.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Jo Serraphere-My Blue Heaven

Di Carlo, Don: organ.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Chicago Pete-The Blues is Alright

Dicenzo, Jeff: played with the Mark Arshak Blues Band. 

Dickerson, Big John: vocals/drums.  Worked in Detroit as a session drummer at Motown. Toured the U.S. and recorded with Big John Dickerson & Blue Chamber.

DiSalvio: cello.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Jo Serraphere-My Blue Heaven

Dishman, Richard: drums.  Played with George Bedard and the Kingpins.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) George Bedard and the Kingpins-Triple Crown, Blues From the Heart Volume II (various artists), George Bedard and the Kingpins-Hip Deep, George Bedard and the Kingpins-Upside!

Dobbins, Saun (ms?): drums.   Played with Johnnie Bassett and the Blues Insurgents.

Dogg, Champ: bass.  Played with Little Mack Collins & The Partymakers.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Please Mr. Foreman: Motor City Blues at the Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival 1973, Mr. Bo-If Trouble Was Money

Dolphin, Dwayne: bass.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Johnnie Bassett with the Bill Heid Trio-Bassett Hound

Donovan, Jim: trumpet.  Played with Lady Sunshine and the X Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Uncut Detroit: Live Blues in the Night (various Artists)

Douglas, Lizzie “Minnie”/”Kid” (a.k.a.: Gospel Minnie/Minnie McCoy/Memphis Minnie/Texas Tessie): vocals/guitar/banjo.  Born June 3, 1897, Louisiana.  Lived and performed in Detroit for about three years during the 1040s.  Died August 6, 1973, Tennessee.  Reference: Harris, pp. 161-163.

Drayton, James, Jr.: vocalist.  Born January 3, 1935.  His parents were James Druton, Sr. and ,Detroit’s Queen of the Blues, Alberta Adams.  He attended Detroit Public Schools.  Sang with The Five Dollars and the Detroit Monitors.

Drews, Dand: vocals.  Played with Spittin’ Boogie.

Dunn, John: bass.  Worked with Bon Temps Roulle.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Bon Temps Roulle-Swaggy Dog

DuValier, Sir Tim: guitar/vocals/bass/percussion.  Played with The Chisel Brothers and with The Sharecroppers of Soul.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Sharecroppers of Soul, Blues From the Heart (various Artists), Uncut Detroit: Live Blues in the Night (various Artists), Live at Lou’s (various artists)

Dybek, Bill “L.Z.”: guitar.  Started playing in 1970. He and “Cee Cee” Collins were original members of the Detroit Underground Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs): Detroit Underground Band-Live, Detroit Underground Band-Colorblind.

Dybka, Darryl: piano.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) City Limits Blues Band-So Many Roads

 

E-F

E, Vin: drums.  Played with Howling Diablos, Sharecroppers of Soul.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Live at Lou’s (various artists)

East, Bobby: guitar.  Played with Howling Diablos.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) Live at Lou’s (various artists), Blues From The Heart (various artists), Pat Savage Band-Made In Detroit.

Eddy, Glen: guitar/vocals.  Played with the Glen Eddy Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Glen Eddy Band-Hot Smoke, The Glen Eddy Band-Shakin it Up

Elijah, William: horns.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Thornetta Davis-Sunday Morning Music

Emery, B.J.: trombone.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Hastings Street Grease-Volume 2 (various artists)

Evans, John: saxophone.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Butler Twins-The Butler’s Boogie, Live at the Attic

Evans, Johnny “Showtime”: tenor & baritone saxophone.  Played with Howling Diablos.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Johnnie Bassett & The Blues Insurgents-Live at the Montreux-Detroit Jazz Festival, Blues From The Heart (various artists), Howling Diablos-It’s My Party, Thornetta Davis-Sunday Morning Music, Live at Lou’s (various artists)

Evans, Michael: keyboards.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Joce’lyn B-Bitch a da Blues

Everhart, Larry: harmonica., Long time member of DBS, Band Credits include Maggies Farm, LL Blues, Black River Blue Grass Boys, Shadgrass, and Raputa (J Geils Tribute). Song recordings with, Rollie Tussing III, Carl Henry, Maggies Farm, Paul Miles, Tracy Cash Thomas, David Nefesh, Larry Stevens, Billy Craig, Olivia Millerschin, and Mark Szabo. Myspace and Facebook sites. Raputa - Reverbnation and Youtube

Ewing, Bill: bass.  Played with 3 of Us.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Live at Lou’s (various artists)

Ezell, Will: piano.  Lived in Detroit beginning in 1920s.  Worked with Bessie Smith.  Reference: Detroit Blues, Vol.3, No.1, p.12

Fair, “Drivetrain” Dave: drums.  Born in 1961.  Came to Detroit in 1995.  Played with George “Wild Child” Butler, Robert Noll, Motor City Josh, Doug Demming, Al Hill, Tampa Ted & the Blue Knights and the Kenny Parker Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Uncut Detroit: Live Blues in the Night (various Artists)

Falconberry, Reverend Mark: guitar/vocals. Often featured solo performances.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) “Rev.” Marc Falconberry-irReverend Blues

Famous Coachman: blues promoter/20 years WDET radio personality.  Died December 2000 Detroit, MI.

Farlow, Billy C.: harmonica.  He worked in Detroit from 1965-69 at the Chessmate at age 19 blowing harp behind John Lee Hooker, Spider John Koerner, Sam Lay, J. Cotton’s Band, Bobo Jenkins & others.  He formed Billy C. & the Sunshine with pianist Boot Hamilton (who later joined Mitch Ryder), guitarist Larry Welker (who later went with Charlie Musselwhite) and drummer Lance Dickerson (also went with Musselwhite).  Farlow played at the Love-In n Belle Isle (Apr 67), the Poison Apple on Plum Street, various concerts run by John Sinclair and opened for Cream at the Grande Ballroom in November ’67. He played harp on the Eddie Kirkland Fortune recording The Grunt.  He joined Commander Cody & his Lost Planet Airmen in ’69 and the band left Ann Arbor for California and toured.  Reference: personal communication from Billy C.Farlow.

Farris, Billy: guitar/bass.  Played with the Lady Sunshine & the X Band (1994-1995), Butler Twins Band, Robert Noll & Mission Blue, Machine Gun Kelly Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Machine Gun Kelly Band-Holes in the Wall  (that we’ve known), The Butler Twins-The Butler’s Boogie, Blues at Midnight-Live at the Attic (various artists), The Butler Twins Blues Band-Uncut Detroit II, Detroit Jimmy-Long Time Coming.  Reference: Blues Notes, Vol.5, No12.

Farzalo, Dave: guitar.  Played with Al Hill & the Love Butlers.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Al Hill & the Love Butlers-Willie Mae

Favro, Dave: keyboards/sax.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Blue Rose-Rock Me Low

Ferry, John: trombone.  Played with Al hill & the Love Butlers.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Al Hill & the Love Butlers-Willie Mae

Feskorn, Bob “Dr. Bob”: bass guitar/vocals.  Played with the Mid Life Crisis Blues Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Mid Life Crisis Blues Band-“Live and Still Kickin’”

Feskorn, Tim “Timfingers”: guitar/vocals/harmonica.  Played with the Mid Life Crisis Blues Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Mid Life Crisis Blues Band-“Live and Still Kickin’”

Fetters, Pete “Big Dog”: guitar/harmonica/vocalist.  Fronted his own band.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) Pete “Big Dog” Fetters- Thunderbird Wine, Pete “Big Dog” Fetters-Milkbone Underwear

Finch, Otis: saxophone.  Worked in Detroit with John Lee Hooker.  Reference: Cohassey, Detroit Blues, Vol.3, No.1, p.14

Fishtail: piano, lived and played in pre-WWII Detroit.

Floyd, Kevin: bass.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Joce’lyn B-Bitch a da Blues

Foley, Sly/Slye: vocalist.  Came from Washington D.C.  Moved to Detroit in 1974.  Worked with the Kenny Parker Band from 1996 to 2000.

Ford, Caleb: guitar/vocals. He is the brother of Motor City Josh Ford.  Played with Seven Levels.

Ford, John: bass.  Played with Steve Somers Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Steve Somers Band with Valerie Barrymore-Blue Condition, Sweet Claudette-Linament & Collard Greens

Ford, Joshua (a.k.a.: “Motor City Josh”): guitar/vocals/drums.  BornDecember 24th in Detroit, MI.  Began performing around 1992.  Played with The Curtis Sumter Project, Louisiana Heat Band and Motor City Josh & The Big Three.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Motor City Josh-Living Like A King In The Ghetto, City Limits Blues Band-So Many Roads, Tony Valentino-People I Got ‘em Bad, Uncut Detroit: Live Blues in the Night (various Artists), Motor City Josh-Live in Atlanta, The Curtis Sumter Project-Trials and Tribulation.

Fosselman, Thomas (Tom “Fossdog”): Hammond B3, piano, clavinet.  He has performed with Lady Sunshine and the X Band, Jamie Coe Band, and the Spartans. Recordings include contributions to (CD)  Lady Sunshine and the X-Band – Live at Last and (LP) Spartans – Why Do People Run From The Rain.  Ref: personal communication from Tomas Fosselman.

Foster, Curtis: drums.  Recorded with John Lee Hooker in late 1940’s.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) John Lee Hooker-Detroit 1948-1949

Foster, Eugene (see “Detroit Piano Fats”)

Fowlkes, Jeff: drums.  Played with the Howling Diablos.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Blues From The Heart (various artists), Howling Diablos-It’s My Party

Fraga, John: bass.  Played with Garfield Blues Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Blues From The Heart (various artists), Live at Lou’s (various artists)

Franchi, Jeff: guitar/vocals.  Worked with the Turnarounds.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Are You Ready.

Franklin, Shirley: vocalist.  Played with Shirley Franklin and Delta Drive.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Shirley Franklin & Delta Drive. Reference: Detroit Blues, Vol.2, No.3, p.24

Fraser, Doug: percussion.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Nikki James & The Flamethrowers-Cleanin’ House

Frazer, Clara: vocals. Alan Lomax recorded Lonnie and Clara Frazer in Detroit on October 15, 1938 performing the song Oh Mary Don’t You Weep.  Reference: Rye, 1995.

Frazer, Lonnie: vocals/guitar. Alan Lomax recorded Lonnie and Clara Frazer in Detroit on October 15, 1938 performing the song Oh Mary Don’t You Weep.  Reference: Rye, 1995.

Frazier, Calvin: guitar/vocals.   Born September 16, 1915 Osceola, Arkansas.  Played with Robert Johnson in middle 1930s.  Moved to Detroit in 1937.  Alan Lomax recorded Frazier in Detroit on October 16, 1938 for the Library of Congress.  In that session, Frazier did the vocals and guitar and Sampson Pittman played second guitar on the song Welfare Blues.  Recorded for Detroit labels JVB and Fortune Records.  Played in Baby Boy Warren Band along with Washboard Willie.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) A Fortune of Blues-Vol. 2 (various Artists), Vintage Toledo Blues 1950-1980 (various artists).  Detroit recordings released by Fortune Records include Lillie Mae. Frazier died in 1972 at Detroit, Michigan and was buried on September 28, 1972 at United Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Plymouth Township, MI.  References: Cohassey, Detroit Blues, Vol.3, No.1, p.15; Healy, 1998; Rye, 1995; United Memorial Gardens cemetery records.

Fredrickson, Jim: bass.  Played with Mad Dog & Blues Night Out.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Blues From the Heart Volume II (various artists)

Friend, George: guitar/vocals.  Raised in Marquette, MI.  Formed the band Pedxing and moved to San Francisco.  Moved to Detroit in 1988 and formed the jazz group Blue Dog.  Played with Spanking Bozo, Sun Messengers, Twistin’ Tarantulas and Black Beauty.  The latter group backed Thornetta Davis.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Black Beauty-Senor Smoke, Attack of the Twistin’ Tarantulas

Furry: bass/vocals.  Played with The Witch Doctors.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Witch Doctors-Barroom Science

 

G

Gabriel, Patricio (see Patricio Esteban Gabriel dePadilla)

Gabrys, Roseann: percussion.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) Pete “Big Dog” Fetters-Milkbone Underwear

Gall, Kevin: bass.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Mark Archak-Natural Born Blueser

Garfield (see Garfield Angove)

Garlak, Coal: guitar.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Joce’lyn B-Bitch a da Blues

Garrick, Tim: electric and acoustic guitar/vocals/bass.  Played with Steve Gornall & The Blue Collar Blues Band and Bluecat Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Steve Gornall & The Blues Collar Blues Band, Live at Lou’s (various artists), Bluecat Band-Blueprints, Uncut Detroit: Live Blues in the Night (various Artists)

Garza, Emmanuel X.: guitar/vocals.  Played with Motor City Sheiks and with the Detroit Blues Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) Motor City Shieks-Working Everyday, Detroit Blues Band-Can’t Get You Off My Mind, Motor City Sheiks-Sensational Rhythms, Blues From The Heart (various artists), Detroit Blues Band-Real Life, Detroit Blues Band-Playin’ It Cool

Gates, Brian: bass.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Glen Eddy Band-Hot Smoke

Gavala, Dave: guitar.  Played with Shirley Franklin and Delta Drive.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Shirley Franklin & Delta Drive

Gatteno, Scott: bass.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Harmonica Shah-Deep Detroit.  Played with The Harmonica Shah Blues Band

Gayden, Johnny B.: base.  Played with Val Ventro & The Motor City V-8.  Thought by many to be the most recorded blues bass man.  Recording include contributions to (CD) Val Ventro & The Motor City V-8 Live at Memphis Smoke, Blues From the Heart Volume II (various artists)

Gersch, Kurt: harmonica.  Played with band Leon’s Blues and the Rockafellas.  Reference: Blues Notes, Vol.5, No.10

Gianola, Leonardo: vocals/guitar. He performs solo acoustic Blues mostly in the Delta style.  Contributions to recordings include (CDs): Leonardo Gianola -Delta Revisited; Various Artists - Blues For Katrina & the McDowell Family; and Various Artists – Big City Rhythm & Blues Magazine Sampler #3; and (DVD) Leonardo Gianola – From Charley Patton to the Rolling Stones (Jazz and Blues Series of the Southfield Public Library).  Reference: personal communication from Leonardo Gianola.

Giles, Jeff “Bo-Hog”: drums. Played with the Blackjack, Power House and the NoteBenders.

Gilpatrick, Lenny: drums.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Pratt Brothers-If You Didn’t Know

Giordan, Mario: guitar/vocals.  Played with The Rythmatics and The Mario Giordan Band.

Giordano, Glenn: drums.  He is from NY.  Played with Lady Sunshine and the X Band beginning 1994. Recordings include contributions to (CD) Lady Sunshine and the X Band-All Kind Of Men, Uncut Detroit: Live Blues in the Night (various Artists)

Giordano, John (a.k.a.: “John G”): guitar.  Worked with Steel Traxx, The Lancers, The Ed Marz Jazz Quintet, Sky Alexander and the Working Man’s Band, Changing Times, Southbound 79, B-Side Blues Project

Gira, Jerry: guitar/vocal.  Played with the Diamond Dukes.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Diamond Dukes

Givens, Carben (a.k.a.: “Lamp”): piano.  Born Camden, Arkansas August 11, 1907.  Moved to Detroit 1941.  He was not a professional musician.  Played at “house-rent” parties (“chittlin struts”) in early 1970’s.  A private recording titled That’s Alright released on (CD) Detroit After Hours Vol. 1 (various artists)

Givens, Cooley: trumpet.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Chicago Pete-The Blues is Alright

Glass, James: guitar/vocals.  Played with James Glass and the Get to Getting’ Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) James Glass and the Get to Getting Band-Get This, Live at Lou’s (various artists)

Glass, Todd: drums.  Played with Black Beauty and the Thornetta Davis Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Black Beauty-Senor Smoke, Thornetta Davis-Covered Live at the Music Menu.

Glassel, Jerry: acoustic, resonator & electric guitar.  Played with Big Foot Bob and the Toe Tappers.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Big Foot Bob and the Toe Tappers-Music 2 Tap Your Toes 2

Glazer, Howard: guitar/vocals.  Born in Detroit, MI in 1959.  His parents were musicians, the father with Don Pablo and His Orchestra and the mother taught music in Detroit Public Schools.  Howard began on trumpet (age 9) and guitar (age 11) and began giging at age 13.  Majored in guitar at Wayne State University in classical and jazz.  Recordings include contributions to (LPs) Gino Carlissi-With Love, Howard Glazer-3-13, Johnny Allen-Desperate Years, Gravity 3-13-Nervous Twitch, various Detroit artists-Strange Baby’s Who Cry Rock; (EP) What If Thinking; (45s) What if Thinking-I Want That Girl, Some Girl-Red-Herring, Time For Good Bye-Red Herring; (CDs) Gravity 3-13-Chicago 1991, Salligrowler, That Jive, Buster Wylie-Me and the Blues, Harmonica Shah-Deep Detroit, Sweet Claudette-Linament & Collard Greens, Sweet Claudette-Ain’t Gonna Wash Your Dirty Clothes, Howard Glazer-Brown Paper Bag, Howard Glazer-Liquor Store Legend.  Played with the bands What If Thinking, Gravity 3-13, Salligrowler, That Jive, Buster’s Blues Band, Nikki James and the Flamethrowers, Shirley King and the SKB Band and The Harmonica Shah Blues Band

Gleaton, Henry: keys.  Played with the Kenny Miller Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) I’m Not For Sale; Priscilla Price and the Kenny Miller Band-Uncut Detroit II

Glordano, Glenn: drums.  Played with Lady Sunshine and the X Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Lady Sunshine and the X Band-Man Trouble

Godfrey, Jesse: drums.  Played with Steve Somers Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Steve Somers Band with Valerie Barrymore-Blue Condition, Steve Somers Band with Valerie Barrymore-Steve & Val

Godwin, Bob: bass.  Played and recorded with Gravity 3-13.  Played with Harmonica Shah Blues Band, Sweet Claudette and the SC Band.  Recordings include (CD) Sweet Claudette-Ain’t Gonna Wash Your Dirty Clothes

Goebel, Karl: keyboards. Played with the NoteBenders.

Goldsworthy: guitar/vocals.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) BluesAirmen-Motor City Rock-N-Blues

Gondoly, David: bass/vocals.  Worked with the Turnarounds.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Are You Ready.

Gonsalves, Renell: drums.  Played with the Bobby Murray Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Bobby Murray-Waiting For Mr. Goodfingers

Gonzales, Tim: harmonica.  Played with TC & the Roadmasters.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) TC & the Roadmasters-Undercover Blues

Goodman, Neil “Willie B”: drums.  Played with the Willies.

Goodman, Ray: slide guitar/rhythm guitar.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Bugs Beddow Band-3D Blues, Mudpuppy-White Bread & Hot Sauce

Gordon, Bill  “BillyG”  drums/percussion/vocals.  Born in Detroit.  Billy play with many local bands through the years including Silk, The Loving Cup, and The Reflections.  Recorded and performed with such bands as;  Blue Metro’s (4 song demo);  The Suspects “Live at Hart Plaza”,  Savage Grace’s “One Night In America”,  Innerheat’s “Innerheat”,  Measured Chaos “Live”, and “Somewhere between Detroit and Chicago”,  Rock-A-Billy legend, Johnny Powers  “Johnny Powers Live”, and Dove Grey’s “Anything is Possible”.

Gornall, Steve: guitar/vocals.  Played with Steve Gornall & The Blue Collar Blues Band.  Relocated to California about 1995.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Steve Gornall & The Blue Collar Blues Band, Live at Lou’s (various artists)

Grand, Jeff: acoustic, electric & slide guitar/vocals.  Played with the Butler Twins, Jeff Grand & The grandmasters, and the Howling Diablos.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs): The Butler Twins-The Butler’s Boogie; The Butler Twins Blues Band-Pursue Your Dreams; The Butler Twins-Not Gonna Worry About Tomorrow; Uncle Jessie White & The 29th Street Band; Blues From The Heart (various artists); Cruisin’ Songs from the Motor City (various Artists); Howling Diablos-It’s My Party and (LP) Butler Twins-Live In Detroit, Live at Lou’s (various artists)

Grandahl, Paul: bass.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) BluesAirmen-Motor City Rock-N-Blues

Green, L.C.: recorded in Detroit in 1950s

Green, Violet (see Clara Smith)

Greenhalgh, Frank: bass.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Detroit Jimmy-Long Time Coming

Grendon, Pat: guitar.  Played with The Red Mercury Blues Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Red Mercury Band-Nothin Purty Boutda Blues

Griffith, Rich: bass fiddle.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Rollie Tussing III-Blow Whistle Blow

Griglen, Reggie: drums.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Blues at Midnight-Live at the Attic (various artists)

Grimm, Barton: guitar.  Played with Mitch Ryder and Blue Metro. 

Griswold, Art: guitar/vocals.  Born November 10, 1939 Tillar, Arkansas.  He died on November 18, 2003 at age 64.  Recorded for Fortune Records in early 1970’s.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Hastings Street Grease-Volume 2 (various artists)

Griswold, Roman: vocals.  Born September 5, 1936 Tillar, Arkansas.  Recorded for Fortune Records in early 1970’s.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Hastings Street Grease-Volume 2 (various artists)

Gross, Martin (a.k.a.: Tino): drums/vocals/guitar.  Played with Jeff Grand & The Grandmasters.  Formed and played with Howling Diablos.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) Kenny Parker-Raise The Dead, The Butler Twins-The Butler’s Boogie, The Butler Twins Blues Band-Pursue Your Dreams, The Butler Twins-Not Gonna Worry About Tomorrow, Blues From The Heart (various artists), Blues From the Heart Volume II (various artists), Cruisin’ Songs from the Motor City (various Artists), Howling Diablos-It’s My Party, Live at Lou’s (various artists)

Gruendler, Don. Jr.: drums.  Played with Doug Deming Blue Suit Blues Band, The Magnificent Seven, The MillionAires.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The MillionAires-Keep a Dollar in Your Pocket, Uncut Detroit: Live Blues in the Night (various Artists)

Grundner, Robert “Bubba”: drums/percussion.  Played with Big Foot Bob and the Toe Tappers.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Big Foot Bob and the Toe Tappers-Music 2 Tap Your Toes 2

Guitar Gary (see Gary Nager)

Gunter, Arthur Neal: guitar/vocals.  Born May 23, 1926, TN. Recorded for Excello Records in Nashville.  His record “Baby Let’s Play House” was covered by Elvis Presley on Sun Records.  Died: March 16, 1976, Port Huron, MI.  Buried: Caswell Cemetery, Kimball, MI.  Reference: Personal communication from Fred Feif.

 

H

Hairston,Will:

Hale, Phil: keys.  Played with the Thornetta Davis Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Thornetta Davis-Covered Live at the Music Menu.

Halverson, Bob: guitar.  Played with the Automatic Slim Blues Band.  Formed the Bob Halverson Band in 2004.  Released CDs: Bob Halverson Band-Still In The House Of The Blues and Bob Halverson Band-Live in Your Town.

Hankins, Don “Hank”: tenor saxophone.  He is from Chicago.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Ben Moore & Blues Express-Live at the Ann Arbor Art Fair

Haralson, Alonzo “Big Al”: trumpet.  Played with Lady Sunshine and the X Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Lady Sunshine and the X Band-Man Trouble

Hare, Danny “Dr.”: guitar.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Big Foot Bob and the Toe Tappers-Music 2 Tap Your Toes 2

Haroldson, Bobbie: bass. Recordings include contributions to (LP) Detroit Blues Factory Vol. 1 (various artists).

Harper, Peter: harmonica.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Mudpuppy-White Bread & Hot Sauce

Harrell, Alford Obsie, Sr. (a.k.a.: Chicago Pete): vocals/bass. Born July 13, 1931 on a farm near McLemoresville, Tennessee.  Drafted and served during the Korean conflict.  Moved to Detroit in early 1950s.  Moved to Chicago and performed with Junior Parker.  Returned to Detroit in late 1960s, acquired the name “Chicago Pete” and formed the band the Detroiters.  Performed at several Montreux Detroit jazz Festivals.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Voting Blues, The Gift, Different Strokes, Chicago Pete-The Blues is Alright and Blues From the Heart Volume II (various artists).  Died February 07, 2001 in Detroit, MI and was buried at Mt. Hope Memorial Gardens, Livonia, MI.

Harrell, Alford, Jr.: drums.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Chicago Pete-The Blues is Alright

Harrell, “Sweet Claudette”: vocals.  Born: Heflin, Alabama.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) Sweet Claudette-Linament & Collard Greens, Sweet Claudette-Ain’t Gonna Wash Your Dirty Clothes.  References: Blues Notes, Vol.2, No.2; Detroit Blues, Vol.2, No.3, p.25; Big City Blues, Vol. 7, No 5, Oct-Nov 2001, pp16-18. 

Harris, Billy: keyboards.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Luther Keith-Badman.

Harris, Brian E.: bass.  Played with the PlayBoys.  Recordings include (CD) The PlayBoys-A Look Inside-the demo cuts.

Harris, Carl: drums.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Motor City Street Band- Sun Street Boogie

Harris, Fred: piano/Hammond B-3.  Played with Fred Harris and his Orchestra and with the Red Tops Organ Trio.  The trio included fellow Detroiter Lewis “Swing” Lee on drums and Big Joe Burrell from Port Huron, Michigan on saxophone.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Vintage Toledo Blues 1950-1980 (various artists).  Reference: Healy, 1998.

Harris, Mark: bass guitar. Recordings include contributions to (LP) Detroit Blues Factory Vol. 1 (various artists).

Harris, Mimi: vocals.  Raised in Grand Rapids, MI.  Moved to Detroit about 1976.  Played with Mimi Harris and the Snakes.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Blues From The Heart (various artists), Mimi And The Snakes-Paradise, Uncut Detroit: Live Blues in the Night (various Artists).  Reference: Detroit Blues, Vol.2, No.3, p.20

Harris, Odessa: vocals.  Raised in the Mississippi delta area.  Toured with B.B. King.  Following that she moved to Detroit and worked with drummer Sonny Freeman’s band, The Unusuals.  Following Sonny’ death she work very little until Marcus Belgrave introduced her to R.J. Spangler.  She began performing with R.J.’s Rhythm Rockers.

Harris, Dr. Teddy, Jr.: piano.  Born August 27, 1934 Detroit, MI.  Cultivated a bebop style.  Joined Motown Records and was musical director for the Supremes.  In 1960’s was with the Paul Butterfield Band.

Harrison, Vernon (see Boogie Woogie Red)

Harsch: Eddie: piano/Hammond B3/clavinet.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) The Butler Twins-The Butler’s Boogie, The Butler Twins Blues Band-Pursue Your Dreams, The Butler Twins-Not Gonna Worry About Tomorrow, Cruisin’ Songs from the Motor City (various Artists), Thornetta Davis-Sunday Morning Music and (LP) Detroit Blues Factory Vol. 1 (various artists).

Harwood, Chris: guitar/vocals.  Played with Motor City Bluez Project.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Live at Lou’s

Hecker, Bob: bass/vocals.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Randy Volin & The Sonic Blues-Used Guitars, Randy Volin and The Sonic Blues-Waking Up With Wood

Heid, Bill: piano/vocals.  Has lived in Detroit and visits often.  Was a founding member of the Blues Insurgents and played with The Bill Heid Trio. Recordings include contributions to (CD) We Play The Blues, Kenny Parker-Raise The Dead, Bill Heid & The Detroit Blues Masters-We Play The Blues, Alberta Adams-Say Baby Say, Harmonica Shah-Motor City Mojo, Blues Across America-The Detroit Scene, Alberta Adams-Born With The Blues, Johnnie Bassett & The Blues Insurgents-Live at the Montreux-Detroit Jazz Festival, Johnnie Bassett with the Bill Heid Trio-Bassett Hound, Joe Weaver and His New Blue Note Orchestra-Baby I Love You So

Heid, George: percussion.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Alberta Adams-Say Baby Say

Heidreich, Roy (a.k.a.: Detroit Dobro): acoustic guitar/slide guitar/vocals.  Played at the Attic Bar for many years.  Played with Detroit Dobro & The Back Porch Project and often works solo.

Hemmingway, James a.k.a: HemingwayHemenway): piano.  From Georgia and was playing in Detroit in 1920s.  Reference: Cohassey, Detroit Blues, Vol.3, No.1, p.12

Hendricks, Guy: guitar.  Played with Square Business Blues Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Live at Lou’s (various artists)

Hendrikson, Bill: drums/vocals.  Worked with the Turnarounds.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Are You Ready.

Henry, Carl: guitar/slide guitar/vocals.  Usually worked solo

Hensley, William “Washboard Willie” (see Washboard Willie)

Herman, “Blue Stu”: acoustic/finger style guitar/vocals.  Born Detroit, MI September 1949.  Recorded 7 solo albums.

Hicks, Otis V. (a.k.a.: Lightnin’ Slim): guitar.  Born: March 13, 1913 in St. Louis, Missouri.  Spent his early years on a farm near the city.  The family then moved to Louisiana where young Otis began to experiment with the guitar.  By 1940 he was a working musician in the area.  In 1946 Lightnin’ began working the bar circuit in Baton Rouge.  He recorded for a dozen years for the Excello label.  Jay Miller, writer of many Lightnin’ Slim songs, gave him his stage name.  The 1960’s found him in Detroit and appearing a few times with Slim Harpo in NYC.  Slim Harpo died in 1970.   Manager and promoter Fred Reif brought Lightnin’ Slim back to the public eye.  Reif was his manager from 1970 until Lightnin’ Slim’s death on July 27, 1974 in Detroit, MI.  Buried: Oak Hill Cemetery, Pontiac, MI.   References: Biography written by Cub Coda; personal communication from Fred Reif.

Hicks, Rod: lived in Detroit; in 1960’s was with the Paul Butterfield Band.

Hildebrandt, Carl: string bass.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) George Bedard and the Kingpins-Upside!

Hill, Al: acoustic piano/electric piano/organ/guitar/vocals.  Born and raised in Ann Arbor, MI.   Played with Jeanne & the Dreams, Al Hill & the Love Butlers, The Blues Insurgents, RJ’s Blues Crew.  Won the third annual Buddy Guy’s Legends Best Unsigned Blues Band Competition with the Lovebutlers and the 1999 Motor City Blues Association’s CD of the Year for 1999.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Al Hill and the Love Butlers-Uncut Detroit II, Alberta Adams and RJ’s Blues Crew-Uncut Detroit II, George Bedard and the Kingpins-Triple Crown, Al Hill & the Love Butlers-Willie Mae

Hill, Beverly Jean “Bev” – see  Big Mama Bev

Hinz, Jason: guitar/vocals.  Played with the Bugs Beddow Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Bugs Beddow Band ‘Bone Appetit tour-Live at the 1997 Mid-Michigan Blues Festival

Hodge, Bob “Catfish”: guitar/vocals.  Born and raised on Detroit’s eastside.  Moved to Washington D.C., to Los Angeles, and then to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.  Has recorded outside of Detroit for many years.

Hollis, Michael “Mo”: bass.  Played with Howling Diablos.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Blues From The Heart (various artists), Howling Diablos-It’s My Party, Live at Lou’s (various artists)

Hooker, John Lee (a.k.a.: Sir John Lee Hooker/John Lee Booker/John Lee Cooker/Boogie Man/“Slim”/”Alabama Slim”/”Texas Slim”/”Delta John”/”Birmingham Sam”/Johnny Lee/Johnny Williams): guitar/vocals.  Birth date unknown (1915-1923?), Clarksdale, MS.  Moved to Detroit around 1943.  Began his recording career in Detroit in the 1940’s.  Recorded on Modern, Gone, Chance, DeLuxe, Hi-Q, JVB, Specialty, Fortune and Riverside labels.  In 1950s recorded Mad Man Blues and Hey Boogie (a.k.a.: Boogie Now) on JVB label.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) John Lee Hooker-The Complete ‘50s Chess Recordings, Disc 1 & 2, John Lee Hooker-Detroit 1948-1949, John Lee Hooker/Eddie Burns-Detroit Blues 1950-1951, A Fortune of Blues-Vol. 1 (various Artists), A Fortune of Blues-Vol. 2 (various Artists).  Detroit recordings released by Fortune Records include 609 Boogie, Cry Baby, Love You Baby, Whiskey & Women, Have Mercy on Poor Me, It’s My Own Fault, Crazy ‘Bout That Walk, Big Fine Woman, Blues For Christmas, Blues for the Big Town, Juke Hop, We’re All God’s Chillun, and Miss Sadie Mae (Curl My Baby’s Hair).  Reference: Harris, pp. 238-241

Hooks, Johnny: tenor saxophone.  Backed John Lee Hooker’s 1953-54 Detroit recordings Big Fine Woman (originally Hi-Q single 5018/also released on Fortune LP 3002 and on Chess), Tell Me Baby (originally Fortune single 853 as “Love You Baby” and released on Chess)

Horner, Leon: bass/vocals.  Played with band billed as Leon’s Blues.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Hastings Street Grease-Volume 1; (various artists),  Hastings Street Grease-Volume 2 (various artists), Harmonica Shah-Motor City Mojo

House, Eddie James, Jr. (a.k.a.: “Son” House): Born May 21 1902, Riverton, MS.  Played and recorded for many years, mostly in the southern and eastern United States.  He was mostly inactive from music after moving to Detroit in 1976.  Died October 19, 1988, Detroit, MI and buried there at Mt Hazel Cemetery.

Howard, Jeffrey (a.k.a.: Jeff Malacon): guitar/vocals/bass guitar.  Taught geology at Wayne State University by day and played the blues by night.  Played with Blues Garus and the Butler Twins Blues Band; recordings include contributions to (CD) Blues at Midnight-Live at the Attic (various artists)

Hsieh, Loren: guitar/vocals.  Played with Jerry Mack and the Terraplanes.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Terraplanes-Well Tuned

Hudyma, Dave “Eddy E. Vaygus”: guitar.  Played with the Mid Life Crisis Blues Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Mid Life Crisis Blues Band-“Live and Still Kickin’”

Huff, Luther Henry: guitar/mandolin/organ.  Born: December 5, 1910, MS.  Lived in Detroit 1947-1950.  Recorded on Detroit label Adelphi.  Died: November 18, 1973, Detroit, MI.  Buried: Lincoln Memorial Park, Macomb County, MI.  Reference: Harris, p. 252

Hughes, Terry (see Thayrone)

Hughley, Terry (see Terry “Thunder”)

Hull, David “Monk”: keys.  Played with Ben Moore & the Blues Express.  Died on March 13, 2002 in a traffic accident while returning frm a band gig.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) Ben Moore & Blues Express-The Beer I Love, Ben Moore & Blues Express-Live at the Ann Arbor Art Fair

Humesky, Roman “Rick”: guitar.  Played with Lady Sunshine and the X Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Lady Sunshine and the X Band-All Kind Of Men, Uncut Detroit: Live Blues in the Night (various Artists), Lady Sunshine and the X Band-Man Trouble

Humphrey, Vince: tuba.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Motor City Street Band- Sun Street Boogie

Hunter, Joe: piano/organ.  Played keyboards on John Lee Hooker’s hit “Boom, Boom” recorded in Chicago.  Performed with Hank Ballard and the Midnighters and became bandleader for Jackie Wilson.  Formed the first Motown touring band.  Backed Aretha Franklin on the Tonight Show.  Is listed in Who’s Who in music.  Authored the book Musician, Motown and Myself.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Eddie Burns-Detroit and (LP) Detroit Blues Factory Vol. 1 (various artists).

Huntley, Hugh: drums.  Played with The Blues Rays, Motor City Shieks.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Blue Rays-Shake, Shuffle & Grind, Motor City Shieks-Working Everyday

Hwang, Richard (Rich) III: guitar.  Formed the Sidewinders and then Lightinin’ Wolf.  A member of the James Cloyd and Curtis Sumpter bands

 

I-J

Indiana, Gary: guitar.  Played with the Chisel Brothers.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Live at Lou’s (various artists)

Ioppolo, Tony: drums.  Member of the Saginaw, MI based The Boogie Monsters Blues Band in 2000

Isner, Steve: guitar.  Played with Stoney Mazar and the Westsiders.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Stoney Mazar & The Westsiders-Motor City Blues, Stoney Mazar & The Westsiders

Jabilian, Gary: bass.  Played with the Blues Crusaders and with Motor City Josh & The Big Three.

Jackson, Little George.  Was performing in Detroit in 1950s and accompanied Big John Wrencher.  Reference: Harris, p.589

Jacobi, Rick: guitar.  Played with Nikki James and the Flamethrowers.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Uncut Detroit: Live Blues in the Night (various Artists)

Jacques, Billy: keyboards.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Blue Rose-Rock Me Low

James, Adam: drums.  Played with Pete Fetters Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Pete “Big Dog” Fetters-Thunderbird Wine.

James, Darien: harmonica/vocals.  Played with Blues Survivors and the Blue Suit Blues Band.  Recording include contributions to (CD) Randy Volin & The Sonic Blues-Used Guitars, Blues From The Heart (various artists), Live at Lou’s (various artists), Nikki James & The Flamethrowers-Cleanin’ House

James, David: drums/vocals.  Founded the Diamond Dukes in 1993.   Also performed with the Inspirations.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Diamond Dukes

James, Lemon: guitar/vocals/designed custom guitars.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Lemon James-Livin in the Sun, Lemon James-Demo

James, Glenn: guitar.  Recordings include contributions to (LP) Detroit Blues Factory Vol. 1 (various artists.

James, Nikki: vocalist.  Born Detroit, MI.  Returned to Detroit in 1985.  Performed with Nikki James & The Flamethrowers.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Nikki James & The Flamethrowers-Cleanin’ House, Uncut Detroit: Live Blues in the Night (various Artists), Live at Lou’s (various artists), Pat Savage Band-Made In Detroit..  Reference:  Detroit Blues, Vol.2, No.3, p.24

James, Rusty: bass.  Played with The Pratt Brothers, The Martindales and Dan Wright & Coyote Bone.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) Dan Wright and Coyote Bone-Live at the Red Dog, The Pratt Brothers-If You Didn’t Know and The Martindales-The Martindales

Jasmund, Dave: bass.  Played with The Red Mercury Blues Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Red Mercury Band-Nothin Purty Boutda Blues

Jefferson, Olive (see Olive Brown)

Jenkins, Bobo (John/John Pickins): guitar/harmonica/WDET radio personality.  Born: January 7, 1916, Forkland, Alabama.  He arrived in Detroit in 1944 following serving in the Army.  Known for song Democrat Blues recorded in 1954 on Chess label.  He released his own LPs on his label Big Star beginning in 1972 with The Life of Bobo Jenkins.  Had a show on WDET radio known as BLUES AFTER HOURS.  He was a founding member of the Detroit Blues Club and was its 1975 president.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Please Mr. Foreman: Motor City Blues at the Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival 1973, A Fortune of Blues-Vol. 1 (various Artists), A Fortune of Blues-Vol. 2 (various Artists).  Detroit recordings released by Fortune Records include Ten Below Zero, Baby Don’t You Want To Go, Tell Me Who, Nothing But Love.  Died: August 14, 1984, Detroit, MI.  Buried: Detroit Memorial Park, Warren, MI.  Reference: Bobo Jenkins – A Bluesman’s Journey; Fred Reif www.detroitmusichistory.com/BoBo.html 

Jennings, Dale: upright bass/Fender bass.  Played with Big Dave & the Ultrasonics, Blue Suit Blues Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Big Dave and the Ultra Sonics, Tony Valentino-People I Got ‘em Bad, Uncut Detroit: Live Blues in the Night (various Artists)

Jibilian, Gary: bass.  Played with the Thornetta Davis Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Thornetta Davis-Covered Live at the Music Menu.

Johannes, Paul: piano/B3 organ/sax (alto/tenor).  Played with the Glen Eddy Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Glen Eddy Band-Shakin it Up

John, “Little” Willie: vocals.  Born November 15, 1937, Cullendale, AK.  Grew up in Detroit.  Won attention at Detroit’s Paradise Theater and moved on to an impressive performing and recording career.  Died at the Walla Walla, Washington prison on May 26, 1968.  Reference: Living Blues, July August 1999, p. 37.

Johns, David: drums.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) City Limits Blues Band-So Many Roads

Johnson, Johnnie: piano/vocals.  Was a member of Chuck Berry’s band and wrote or co-wrote a number of Berry Hits.  Recordings made in Detroit include contributions to (CD) George Bedard and the Kingpins-Hip Deep

Johnson, Jon: drums.  Played with the Machine Gun Conners Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) James Cloyd Group-Thursday Night Jam, Machine Gun Kelly Band-Holes in the Wall (that we’ve known)

Johnson, Jonny: drums.  Played with the Machine Gun Kelly Band.

Johnson, Keith: bass.  Played with the Machine Gun Kelly Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Machine Gun Kelly Band-Holes in the Wall (that we’ve known)

Johnson, LaMarn “Bo”: keyboards.  Played with the Sudden Impact Band and Blutopia.

Johnson, Leslie (see Lazy Lester)

Johnson, Robert (a.k.a.: Peter Rabbit): guitar. Played with Uncle Jesse White.  Reportedly he and a harmonica player released an album titled Rooster Blues.

Johnston, George: harmonica.  Grew up in Detroit.  Began playing circa 1966.  Worked as a sideman for Gene Duty and played with Willie D. Warren.  Joined the Detroit Underground Band circa 1998.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Detroit Underground Band-Live, Detroit Underground Band-Colorblind

Jones, Birmingham (a.k.a.: Wright Birmingham): guitar/harmonica/saxophone.  Born: January 9, 1937, Saginaw, MI.

Jones, De’Vonne: drums.  Played with the Sweet Claudette SC Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) Sweet Claudette-Linament & Collard Greens, Sweet Claudette-Ain’t Gonna Wash Your Dirty Clothes

Jones, Earl: drums.  Played with Little Mack Collins & The Partymakers.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Please Mr. Foreman: Motor City Blues at the Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival 1973

Jones, Johnny “Yard Dog” (a.k.a.: John Junior Jones): vocalist/harmonica/guitar.  Born June 21, 1941 Crawfordsville, Arkansas.  Moved to East St. Louis with parents and in 1959 to Chicago. Moved to Detroit in 1971.  Played with the Bobo Jenkins Band along with Baby Boy Warren and The Little Flowers and The Gospel Comforters.  Along with Bobo Jenkins, Little Junior Cannaday, John Sinclair, Little Mack Collins and others was a founding member of the Detroit Blues Club.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Ain’t Gonna Worry (awarded 1998 W.C. Handy award for best new artist), Blues at Midnight-Live at the Attic (various artists), Uncut Detroit: Live Blues in the Night (various Artists) and (LP) Detroit Blues Factory Vol. 1 (various artists).  Reference: Detroit Blues, Vol.2, No.4, pp. 20-22

Jones, Robert: bass.  Played with the Alligators.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Live at Lou’s (various artists)

Jones, Robert B.: acoustic guitar/national steel guitar/vocalist/harmonica/violin/song writer/WDET radio personality/minister.  Born: Detroit, 1956.  Hosted the BLUES FROM THE LOWLANDS radio show on WDET beginning 1983.  Was a founding member of the Detroit Blues Society.  Preserves the acoustic delta blues style, particularly demonstrated the influence of Son House.  Usually worked solo.  He is an ordained Minister and is known as a musician, an educator and a storyteller.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) Robert B. Jones-Blues From the Lowlands, Robert B. Jones-A Portrait In Blues-Acoustic Blues, Folk & Spirituals, Nikki James & The Flamethrowers-Cleanin’ House, Blues From the Heart Volume II (various artists), Live at Lou’s (various artists) and (CS) Robert Jones with Mike Stevens-Blues.

Jones, R.D.: bass.  Played with the Alligators.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Alligators-Gimme Some Skin!, Blues From The Heart (various artists)

Josh, “Motor City” (see Joshua Ford)

 

K

Kalaf, Al: bass guitar.  Played with the Glen Eddy Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Glen Eddy Band-Shakin it Up

Kaminski, Keith: alto, tenor & baritone saxophone.  Played with The Blues Insurgents, RJ’s Blues Crew, RJ’s Rhythm Rockers.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) Bill Heid & The Detroit Blues Masters-We Play The Blues, Alberta Adams-Say Baby Say, Blues Across America-The Detroit Scene, Johnnie Bassett and The Blues Insurgents-Cadillac Blues, Alberta Adams and RJ’s Blues Crew-Uncut Detroit II, Johnnie Bassett & The Blues Insurgents-I Gave My Life to the Blues, Joe Weaver and His New Blue Note Orchestra-Baby I Love You So, Uncut Detroit: Live Blues in the Night (various Artists)

Kane, Sheri: acoustic guitar/vocals.  Born in Detroit, MI.  Resided in Ann Arbor, MI since late 1970s.  Formed duo with Peter “Madcat” Ruth in July 1990 billed as “Madcat & Kane”.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Blues From the Heart Volume II (various artists), Madcat & the Cats-Live at the Ark, Madcat & Kane-Up Against the Wall.  Reference: Detroit Blues, Vol.2, No.3, p.20

Kaplan, Fred: piano.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Motor City Sheiks-Sensational Rhythms

Karam, Tony: piano.  Played with Jump Cats and with the Natural Blues Band

Kase, Chris: trumpet.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) George Bedard and the Kingpins-Upside!

Kazanowski, Garrett: guitar.  Played with The Progressive Blues Band, The Alligators and The Wyze Gyze.

Keefe, Bruce: guitar. Played in Detroit with C. J. Morris and his Back Alley Blues Band

Keeney, David: dobro.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Big Foot Bob and the Toe Tappers-Music 2 Tap Your Toes 2

Keith, Luther “Badman”: vocals/guitar.  Played with Luther “Bad Man” Keith and the Badman Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Luther Keith-Badman.

Kelly, John: guitar/harmonica.  Played with Blutopia.

Kelly, “Machine Gun” (see Kelly Connors)

Kelly, Matt “The Killer”: drums.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Tony Valentino-People I Got ‘em Bad

Kent, Christopher (Chris): bass.  Played with the Hastings Street Blues Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) the Hastings Street Blues Band-Down on Hastings Street, Uncut Detroit: Live Blues in the Night (various Artists)

Kesterson, Neal: saxophone/vocals.  Was an original member of the Diamond Dukes and played with the Henry Ford Big Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Diamond Dukes

Kieme, Mark: tenor & alto saxophone/clarinet.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Bon Temps Roulle-Swaggy Dog, Bobby Murray-Waiting For Mr. Goodfingers, Al Hill & the Love Butlers-Willie Mae

Kimball, Bob: guitar.  Played with Little Mack Collins & The Partymakers.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Please Mr. Foreman: Motor City Blues at the Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival 1973

King, Duffy: guitar.  Born February 24, 1957.  Played with the Bugs Beddow Band

King, Eddie. Guitar.  Age 50 on January 17, 2003.  Played with Tampa Ted and the Blue Knights.

King, Leonard: drums/vocals.  Played with Garfield Blues Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Blues From The Heart (various artists)

King, Mike: guitar.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Howling Diablos-It’s My Party

Kippreos, Eli: guitar.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Blues at Midnight-Live at the Attic (various artists)

Kirkland, “Little” Eddie: guitar/harmonica/vocals.  Lived and played in Detroit with John Lee Hooker.  Backed John Lee Hooker’s 1951 Detroit recordings Louise (originally Chess single 1482) and Women and Money (originally Chess single 1526).  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Hastings Street Grease-Volume 1 (various artists),  Hastings Street Grease-Volume 2 (various artists), Harmonica Shah-Motor City Mojo, Please Mr. Foreman: Motor City Blues at the Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival 1973, A Fortune of Blues-Vol. 1 (various Artists), A Fortune of Blues-Vol. 2 (various Artists).  Detroit recordings released by Fortune Records include I Must’ve Done Something Wrong, I Need You Baby.  Reference: Cohassey, Detroit Blues, Vol.3, No.1, p.14

Kischuk, Ron: trombone.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Bobby Murray-Waiting For Mr. Goodfingers

Kiss, Pete: bass.  Played with the Alligators.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Alligators-Uncut Detroit II, The Alligators-Take The Bait, The Alligators-Ain’t Nothin’ But Love

Kissick, Mike: drums.  Played with Steve Nardella Trio.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Blues From the Heart Volume II (various artists)

Klaver, Peter: tenor saxophone.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) George Bedard and the Kingpins-Hip Deep, George Bedard and the Kingpins-Upside!

Knapp, John: drums.  Played with The Old Chicago Blues Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Chicago Pete-The Blues is Alright

Kohn, Steve “Bam Bam”: drums.  Performed Nikki James & the The Flamethrowers.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Nikki James & The Flamethrowers-Cleanin’ House, Uncut Detroit: Live Blues in the Night (various Artists)

Koptz, Kevin: trombone/saxophone.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Joce’lyn B-Bitch a da Blues

Korczynska, Jo Ann: blues scholar/WHFR radio personality/MC

Korte, Eric: tenor saxophone/vocals.  Played with Al Hill and the Love Butlers.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Al Hill and the Love Butlers-Uncut Detroit II, Al Hill & the Love Butlers-Willie Mae

Kosmicki, Bob: bass. Played with Spittin’ Boogie.

Kovacs, Barry: drums.  Played with Motor City Josh, Eddie King and Chicago Pete for four years in late 1990’s.

Koziarski, Ralph: tenor & soprano saxophones/flute/bongos.  Played with Expedition and performed with Willie D. Warren..

Kraftan, David: guitar/vocals.  Played with The Blues Rays.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Blue Rays-Shake, Shuffle & Grind

Krahnke, Kurt: upright bass.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Blues Across America-The Detroit Scene, Alberta Adams-Born With The Blues, Johnnie Bassett & The Blues Insurgents-Live at the Montreux-Detroit Jazz Festival

Krammer, David: vocals.  Played with the Alligators.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Alligators-Uncut Detroit II, The Alligators-Take The Bait, Blues From The Heart (various artists), The Alligators-Gimme Some Skin!, Live at Lou’s (various artists), The Alligators-Ain’t Nothin’ But Love

Kumpula, Jeff: trumpet.  Played with Steve Somers Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Steve Somers Band with Valerie Barrymore-Blue Condition

 

L

L., Joe (see Joe L. Carter)

LaBeau, Joe: saxophone.  Played with Art-O-Fact, Joe LaBeau & the Cool Flames and The Boogie Men. Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Boogie Men-Released for Production (4 track demo)

Lady Sunshine: vocals.  Grew up in Arkansas.  Arrived in Michigan in 1975 and to Ann Arbor in mid80’s.  Played with Lady Sunshine and the X Band beginning 1994.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Lady Sunshine and the X Band-All Kind Of Men, Uncut Detroit: Live Blues in the Night (various Artists), Lady Sunshine and the X Band-Man Trouble.  Reference: Detroit Blues, Vol.2, No.3, p.22

Laesch, Carl: guitar/synth. Played with Spittin’ Boogie.

Laesch, Sue: vocals. Played with Spittin’ Boogie.

Laird, Bill “Sticks Willie”: drums.  Played with the Mid Life Crisis Blues Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Mid Life Crisis Blues Band-“Live and Still Kickin’”

LaMar, Sabrina: saxophone.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Mr. Bo-If Trouble Was Money

Lamb, Larry: tenor & alto saxophone.  Played with The MillionAires, Mel Ball & Colours, The Sun Messengers, The Bess Bonnior Quartet, Chet Bogan’s Wolverine Jazz Band, and The Blues Disciples.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The MillionAires-Keep a Dollar in Your Pocket.  He died 30 Nov 2007.  Ref: personal communication from Garfield Angove.

Landless, Billy: bass/vocals.  Played with Blues Surviviors, Detroit Blues Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Randy Volin & The Sonic Blues-Used Guitars, Blues Survivors-Blues From The Heart (various artists), Detroit Blues Band-Real Life, Detroit Blues Band-Playin’ It Cool

Lane, Johathan: guitar.  Played with Johnathan Lane’s Blues Conspiracy.  Reference: Detroit Blues, Summer 1995, p.23.

Lange, Kim: vocals.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Blue Rose-Rock Me Low

Larkin, Duane: bass guitar.  Played with City Limits Blues Band, Bluecat Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) City Limits Blues Band-So Many Roads, Bluecat Band-Blueprints, Blues From The Heart (various artists), Uncut Detroit: Live Blues in the Night (various Artists), Live at Lou’s (various artists)

Lavette, Bettye (a.k.a.: Betty Haskin/Betty Lavett): vocals.  Born in Muskegon, Michigan in 1946.  First hit was with first recording released by Atlantic My Man-He’s A Loving Man (written by ‘Godmother of Detroit soul’ Johnnie Mae Matthews).  Recorded with Detroit label Karen and released Hey Love (written by Stevie Wonder).  Signed with Motown in 1982.  Other recordings include contributions to (CD) Bettye Lavette in Concert-Let Me Down Easy

Lavine, Greg: bass.  Played with the Kenny Miller Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) I’m Not For Sale; Priscilla Price and the Kenny Miller Band-Uncut Detroit II

Lawrence, Carol (see Zoom)

Lawrence, Jim: drums/vocals.  Played with Coyote Bone.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Dan Wright and Coyote Bone-Live at the Red Dog

Lawson, Steve: vocals.  Played with The Red Mercury Blues Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Red Mercury Band-Nothin Purty Boutda Blues

Lee, Bob (a.k.a.: Bob Lee Miklues): drums.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Butler Twins-The Butler’s Boogie, Detroit Jimmy-Long Time Coming, Blues at Midnight-Live at the Attic (various artists)

Lee, Darryl “Hoochie Coochie Man”: bass/vocals.  Performed with Tampa Ted and The Blue Knights, Luther “Bad Man” Keith and The Family.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Pete “Big Dog” Fetters-Milkbone Underwear, Blues From The Heart (various artists); Blues at Midnight-Live at the Attic (various artists).  Reference: Blues Notes, Vol.5, No.8

Lee, Larry: bass.  Played with the PlayBoys beginning in September 2001. 

Lee, Louis “Swing”: drums.  Played with the Fred Harris’ Red Tops Organ Trio.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Vintage Toledo Blues 1950-1980 (various artists).  Died Toledo, Ohio

Lee, Jim: piano.  Recordings included contributions to (CD) Mr. Bo-If Trouble Was Money

Leonard, David: harmonica.  Played with The Partymakers.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Please Mr. Foreman: Motor City Blues at the Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival 1973

Leonard, Will: drums.  Played with Mystery Train, Garfield Blues Band and with Blue Metro.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Willie D. Warren & Mystery Train-LIVE, Mystery Train-Love Lost, Live at Lou’s (various artists), Pat Savage Band-Made In Detroit.

Lester, “Lazy” (a.k.a.: Leslie Johnson): vocalist/harmonica/guitar.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) Lazy Lester-All Over You, Motor Town Music Festival-1999 (various artists), Uncut Detroit: Live Blues in the Night (various Artists)

Levy, Ron: B-3 organ.  Recordings contributed to include contributions to (CD) Big Dave and the Ultra Sonics

Lewis, Bill: bass guitar/vocals.  Played with Al Hill and the Love Butlers.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Al Hill and the Love Butlers-Uncut Detroit II, Al Hill & the Love Butlers-Willie Mae

Lewis, Damien: drums.  Played with Seven Levels.

Lightnin’ Slim (see Otis V. Hicks)

Linfield, John: trumpet.  Played with Lady Sunshine and the X Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Lady Sunshine and the X Band-All Kind Of Men

Little Joe Blue (see Joe Valery)

Little Junior: harmonica.  Played with Detroit Willie.  Recorded on Bobo Jenkins’ Big Star label.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Please Mr. Foreman: Motor City Blues at the Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival 1973

Little Maceo (see Bob Merriweather)

Little Sunny (see Aaron Willis)

Little Walter, Jr. (see Walter Mitchell)

Littleton, Kelly: drums.  Recordings include contributions to (LP) Detroit Blues Factory Vol. 1 (various artists).

LoDuca, Mark: piano/vocals.  Played with The MillionAires.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The MillionAires-Keep a Dollar in Your Pocket

Louie Bluie (see Howard Armstrong)

Lonczynski, Dick: played with The Hatchetmen

Louisiana Red (see Iverson Minter)

Lucas, Bret: played with the Thornetta Davis Band, RJ’s Rhythm Rockers, Al Hill and the Love Butlers.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Al Hill and the Love Butlers-Uncut Detroit II, Thornetta Davis-Covered Live at the Music Menu, The Brett Lucas Band-The Brett Lucas Band

Luckey, Mary (a.k.a.: Mary Thompson/Queen of the Delta Blues): vocals/guitar/composer.  Played and recorded with the Delta Children Blues Band.  Recording include contributions to (CD) The Delta Children Blues Band-The Florence Berg Project

Luccassian, Troy: drums.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Blues at Midnight-Live at the Attic (various artists)

Lymperis, Bill: guitar.  Played with “Boat Gig” Brigade.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Blues From The Heart (various artists)

Lyons, Ramon Cortez: bassist/vocalist.  His father, “Snake”, once played with Ike Turner’s Kings of Rhythm.

Lytle, Greg: drums. Played with Spittin’ Boogie.

 

M

Marcacchio, Dave: drums.  Played with Tampa Ted & The Blue Knights and the Killer Bee’s. Recordings include contributions to (CD) Tampa Ted & The Blues Knights-The Blues…Cover to Cover.

Macchiarolo, Matt: bass.  He is from Arkansas.  Played with Lady Sunshine and the X Band beginning in 1994.   Recordings include contributions to (CD) Lady Sunshine and the X Band-All Kind Of Men, Uncut Detroit: Live Blues in the Night (various Artists)

Maceo, Charles: piano.  Developed his style after that of Big Maceo.  Was playing in Detroit in late 1920s.  Reference: Cohassey, Detroit Blues, Vol.3, No.1, p.13

MacIntyre: Don: guitar/vocals.  Often appeared at the Attic Bar in Hamtramck.  Played with True Blue, Detroit Dobro Band, The Back Porch Blues Project and as an soloist.

Mack, Jerry: vocals/guitar/DJ.  Worked in radio for twenty years as co-host of WCBN 88.3 FM’s “Nothin’ But the Blues” and “Yazoo City Calling”.  Formed Jerry Mack and the Terraplanes in 1993.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Terraplanes-Well Tuned

Macleod, Bill: bass.  Played with the Kenny Parker Band.

Madcat (see Peter “Madcat” Ruth)

Malacon, Jeff (see Jeffrey Howard)

Manning, Greg: drums.  Played with Blutopia.

Manning, Neal: bass guitar.  Played with Blutopia.

Marcaccio, Dave: drums.  Played with Thornetta Davis, The Millionaires, Jim McCarty & Mystery Train, The Rick Stel Project, MKD Trio, Lynn LaPlante 7,  Has also worked with Johnnie Bassett, Doug Deming & the Jeweltones, Paul Carey, Sean MacDonald, Sweet Claudette, Cathy Davis, Tampa Ted and many others.

Marks, Tim: bass/vocals.  Played with RJ’s Rhythm Rocker, Brett Lucas Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Pete “Big Dog” Fetters-Thunderbird Wine, Alberta Adams and RJ’s Blues Crew-Uncut Detroit II, The Brett Lucas Band-The Brett Lucas Band

Marsac, Michael: guitar/vocals.  Played with the Detroit Blues Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) Detroit Blues Band-Playin’ It Cool

Marshall, Mike: bass.  Played with Sonny Rhodes, Eddie Kirkland, Mimi Harris & the Snakes, The Boogie Men, Garfield Blues Band and Paul Carey & the Nightcrawers.   Recordings include contributions to (CDs) Kenny Parker-Raise The Dead, Blues Across America-The Detroit Scene, Blues From The Heart (various artists), Mimi And The Snakes-Paradise, Cruisin’ Songs From The Motor City (various artists)

Marten, Ken (a.k.a. Low Pockets) harmonica/percussion, songwriter. Born March 19, 1967. Harp player in DeSoto Drive, 2017-present; Marten/Murphy, 2012-present. Past harp player for blues acts Barrelhouse Duel, Blues in the City, the Greyhounds. Past harp player for acoustic Americana trio Murrow’s Boys. Past drummer for post punk band the Confessions. Recordings include contributions to Various artists - Blues for Katrina (No Cover, 2005); Murrow’s Boys self-titled CD (Getaway, 2008).

Martin, Andrew: piano.  Recorded with Mr. Bo on the Big D label on the songs I Ain’t Gonna Suffer and If Trouble was Money.

Martin, Carl: bass/guitar/mandolin/violin.  Born: April 1, 1906, VA.  Died: May 10, 1979, Pontiac, MI.  Buried: FL.  Reference: Harris, pp. 348-349

Martin, Jon: bass.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Blue Rose-Rock Me Low.

Martin, Kenny: Biggest hit was I’m Sorry on the Federal label.  He was reportedly the first artist to record a song by Berry Gordy.  Reference: Living Blues, #160, December 2001, pp.31-38

Martin, Murf: bass guitar/vocals.  Played with the Pat Savage Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Pat Savage Band-Made In Detroit.

Mathes, Dave: piano/Hammond B3.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Nikki James & The Flamethrowers-Cleanin’ House, The Butler Twins Blues Band-Pursue Your Dreams, Tony Valentino-People I Got ‘em Bad, Uncut Detroit: Live Blues in the Night (various Artists).

Matle, Rick: rhythm guitar.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Bill Heid & The Detroit Blues Masters-We Play The Blues.

Matthews, Charles “Chuckie”: guitar.  His mother was Johnny Mae Matthews.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Please Mr. Foreman: Motor City Blues at the Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival 1973.

Matthews, Johnnie Mae: vocals.  Wrote Send You Back to Georgia.  She was one of the few blues women working in Detroit in the early 1970’s.  She run Northern Records company.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Please Mr. Foreman: Motor City Blues at the Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival 1973

Maul, Kevin: slide guitar.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Madcat & Kane-Up Against the Wall

May, Michael: harmonica/vocals/front man.  Played with Blue Infusion.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) Blue Infusion-Best of the Bunch, Blue Infusion-Mix & Match

Maylin, Jeff: Vocals/guitar. Played with Jeff Maylin & Bad Passion. Recordings include The Kat & the Blues (Leopard Records), The Blue (Leopard Records), and "Satori In Blue" (No Cover Records).

Mazar, Stoney (a.k.a.: David “Stoney” Mazur): vocals/ guitar/ harmonica.  Played with Jagged Edge and Stoney Mazar & the Westsiders.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Stoney Mazar & The Westsiders-Motor City Blues, Stoney Mazar & The Westsiders

Mazur, Lisa: vocalist; played with Stoney Mazar and the Westsiders; recordings include contributions to (CD) Stoney Mazar & The Westsiders-Motor City Blues, Stoney Mazar & The Westsiders

Mazzara, Dave: electric/acoustic guitar.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Nikki James & The Flamethrowers-Cleanin’ House, Live at Lou’s (various artists)

McCarty, Dylan: drums.  Played with Jim McCarty (his father) and Mystery Train.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) Mystery Train-Uncut Detroit II, Cruisin’ Songs From The Motor City (various artists)

McCarty, Jim: guitar/vocals.  Played with Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels, Siegal-Schwall Band, Cactus, The Rockets, Detroit Blues Band.  Formed the group Mystery Train in late 1990’s.  Recordings include contributions to (LPs) Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels-Jenny Take A Ride, Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels-Breakout,Buddy Miles Express-Expressway To Your Skull, Buddy Milkes Express-Electric Church, Cactus-Cactus, Cactus-One Way Or Another, Cactus-Restrictions, Cactus-Isle of Wight Concert, Rockets-Love Transfusion, Rockets-Turn Up The Radio, Bob Seger-Seven, Rockets-No Ballads, Rockets-Backtalk, Rockets-Rocket Roll, Rockets-Live Rocket, Jimi Hendrix-Nine To The Universe; (CDs) Black Market-Cool And Deadly, Willie D. Warren & Mystery Train-LIVE, Mystery Train-Uncut Detroit II; Detroit Blues Band-Can’t Get You Off My Mind, Mystery Train-Love Lost, Detroit Blues Band-Blues From The Heart (various artists), Detroit Blues Band-Real Life, Detroit Blues Band-Christmas In Detroit (various artists), Detroit Blues Band-Christmas In Detroit II (various artists).  Reference: Tim Garrick, Detroit Blues, Spring 1996, pp.14-18.

McCauly, Pete: guitar.  Played with band Leon’s Blues.

McClendon, Chet: drums.  Played with the Kenny Miller Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) I’m Not For Sale; Priscilla Price and the Kenny Miller Band-Uncut Detroit II

McConnel, Mike: bass.  Played with Square Business Blues Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Live at Lou’s (various artists)

McCoy, Memphis Minnie (see Lizzie Douglas)

McCray, Juanita: vocalist.  Died: July 10, 1996.  Reference: Detroit Blues, Vol.2, No.3, p.18

McCray, Larry: guitar/vocals.  Home in Saginaw, MI.  Tours as national act.

McCullers, Dezie, Sr.: tenor saxophone.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Johnnie Bassett & The Blues Insurgents-Live at the Montreux-Detroit Jazz Festival

McDonald, Brian: club owner.  Owned and operated the Soup Kitchen Saloon in Detroit from1976 to 1999.

McDonald, Captain Earl: drums.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Glen Eddy Band-Hot Smoke, The Glen Eddy Band-Shakin it Up

McDonald, Shawn “The Downriver Hit Man”: keys/Hammond organ.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) James Cloyd Group-Thursday Night Jam

McGee, Mike: drums.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Hastings Street Grease-Volume 1 (various artists)

McGettigan, Bill: guitar/vocalist/TV personality.  Played with the Motor City Juke Boys

McKie, Mitch: trumpet/keyboard/vocals.  Played with the Diamond Dukes.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Diamond Dukes

Miles, Paul J.: vocalist/guitarist/song writer.  Born March 25th.

Miller, Red: Recorded on Detroit’s Staff Record Company label and released at least one 78rpm.

Mills, Charlie: piano.  Recorded on Lonesome Cabin Blues, Don’t Want No Skinny Woman, behind Baby Boy Warren on Staff Records label.  Reference: Detroit Blues, Summer 1995, p.17.

McKinney, Greg “Super G”: keyboard.  Played with Lady Sunshine and the X Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Lady Sunshine and the X Band-Man Trouble

McKinney, Harold: piano, composer.

McMillan, Duncan: organ.  Played with Odessa Harris and RJ’s Rhythm Rockers.

McMurray, Rick: guitar/harmonica. 

McWhinnie, Dennis: guitar. Played with Spittin’ Boogie.

Merriweather, Bob Rozier (a.k.a.: Little Maceo): piano.  Brother was Big Maceo. Lived and played in pre-WWII Detroit.  Reference: Cohassey, Detroit Blues, Vol.3, No.1, p.13

Mendenhall, Nolan: bass guitar/vocals. Played with Wilson Pickett and with Blue Metro.

Merriweather, Major “Maceo” (a.k.a.: Big Maceo): piano/vocals.  Born: March 13, 1905, GA.  His brother was Rozier “Bob” Merriweather (a.k.a.: Little Maceo).  Moved to Detroit in 1924.  Worked with John Brim in Detroit in 1950s.  Moved to Chicago in 1941 and returned to Detroit in 1946 after suffering a stroke.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) A Fortune of Blues-Vol. 1 (various Artists), A Fortune of Blues-Vol. 2 (various Artists).  Detroit recordings released by Fortune Records include Worried Life Blues #2, Have You Heard About It, Eloise, Without You Life Don’t Mean a Thing.  Died: February 26, 1953, Chicago, IL.  Buried: Detroit, MI.  References: Harris, pp. 370-371; Kent (1997).

Methric, Danny A. (a.k.a.: Nefarious P. Bellbottom): guitar/vocals.  Born September 22, 1972.  Began playing guitar at age 19.  Played with the Richard Armstrong Band and then co-founded the band Fat Belly Brown along with Tony Denardo and Ron Teno. Also played with Vince Knight and The Daze.  Then joined the Detroit Underground Band and The Muggs.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs): Detroit Underground-Live, Detroit Underground-Colorblind

Michels, Jeff: drums.  Played with Bob Willett and the Blues Devils.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Bob Willett & The Blues Devils-Messin’ With Your Mind

Miklues (see Bob Lee)

Miles, Andrew “Mad Dog”: guitar/slide guitar.  Played with Luther “Bad Man” Keith and the Badman Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Luther Keith-Badman.

Miller, Brian: harmonica/vocals.  Played with Doug Deming Blue Suit Blues Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Bill Heid & The Detroit Blues Masters-We Play The Blues, Alberta Adams-Say Baby Say

Miller, Chuck: guitar/vocalist. Played with Montgomery-Miller Blues Band, March Brothers, Shakey Jake and the Mutants, and Holy Smoke. Recordings include Motor City Man, Champagne Dreams. http://detroitsholysmoke.com/

Miller, Jimmy: trumpet; backed John Lee Hooker 1953-54 Detroit recordings Big Fine Woman (originally Hi-Q single 5018/also released on Fortune LP 3002 and on Chess), Tell Me Baby (originally Fortune single 853 as “Love You Baby” and released on Chess). Reference: Detroit Blues, Vol.3, No.1, p.14

Miller, Kenneth Rick: drums.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Joce’lyn B-Bitch a da Blues

Miller, Kenny: guitar.  Played with the Kenny Miller Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Priscilla Price and the Kenny Miller Band-Uncut Detroit II

Miller, Russ: tenor & alto saxophone/flute.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) Bill Heid & The Detroit Blues Masters-We Play The Blues, Alberta Adams-Say Baby Say, Blues Across America-The Detroit Scene, Johnnie Bassett & The Blues Insurgents-Live at the Montreux-Detroit Jazz Festival, Motor City Street Band- Sun Street Boogie

Milner, Jimmy: recordings include contributions to (CD) A Fortune of Blues-Vol. 2 (various Artists); Detroit recordings released by Fortune Records include Noble’s Jump

Minus, Dale: harmonica.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Terraplanes-Well Tuned

Minter, Iverson (a.k.a.: Louisiana Red); vocals/guitar.  Lived in Detroit in 1950s.  Worked with Eddie Burns, John Lee Hooker and others.  Moved to Europe in 1970’s.  Made many recordings

Mirelez, Maya: vocals.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Mark Archak-Natural Born Blueser

Miser, Gary: guitar.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Chicago Pete-The Blues is Alright

Misetich, Ron: played with The Hatchetmen

Mississippi Al

Mitchell, Joe: guitar.  Played in Harmonica Shah Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Harmonica Shah-Motor City Mojo

Mitchell, Stanley: recorded on Fortune Records with the Royal Jokers.  Had a hit with his group The Tornados titled Four O’Clock in the Morning on Chess records.  Toured with Lionel Hampton   Reference: Living Blues, #160, December 2001, pp. 31-38.

Mitchell, Walter (a.k.a.: Little Walter, Jr.)(Note: George Smith, a.k.a.: George Washington, also used name “Little Walter, Jr.): harmonica/vocals.  Born March 19, 1919, New Orleans, Louisiana.  Was living in Detroit in Mid-forties.  Recorded on Detroit label JVB (Joseph Von Battle).  Played as Little Walter, Jr. & His Boogie Blues Boys.  Worked in Detroity with Robert Richard and L.C. Green.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Vintage Toledo Blues 1950-1980. Moved to Toledo in mid-fifties.  Died: January 10, 1990.  Reference: Healy, 1998

Moase, Bob: drums.  Played with the City Limits Blues Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) City Limits Blues Band-So Many Roads, Live at Lou’s (various artists)

Mobley, Ken: guitar.  Played with 3 of Us.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Live at Lou’s (various artists)

Mong, Dan (a.k.a.: “Dangerous Dan”): harmonica/vocals.  Played with the PlayBoys.  Recordings include (CD) The PlayBoys-A Look Inside-the demo cuts.

Molina, Pall: drums.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) City Limits Blues Band-So Many Roads

Montgomery, James: harmonica.  He is from Detroit.  Performing and recording on east coast in 2003.

Montgomery, Marty: tenor saxophone/vocals.  Played with “Boat Gig” Brigade.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Bugs Beddow Band-3D Blues, Blues From The Heart (various artists)

Moon, Leonard: vocals/keyboards.  Played with Bon Temps Roulle, Garfield Blues Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Bon Temps Roulle-Swaggy Dog, Chicago Pete-The Blues is Alright, Blues From The Heart (various artists), Live at Lou’s (various artists)

Moore, Ben: vocals/bass guitar.  Played with Ben Moore & the Blues Express.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) Ben Moore & Blues Express-The Beer I Love, Ben Moore & Blues Express-Live at the Ann Arbor Art Fair

Morgan, Big Gene: harmonica/vocalist

Morningstar, “Smooth” Anjell: vocalist.  Reference: Blues Notes, Vol. 4, No.10

Morris, C. J.: guitar/vocals.   Born February 11, 1945 in Lexington, KY.  Played in Detroit billed as C. J. Morris and his Back Alley Blues Band.  Died December 9, 2000 and was buried at Forest lawn Cemetery, Detroit, MI.

Morris, Dave: harmonica/vocals.  Played with Big Dave and the Unltasonics and with the Blue Suit Blues Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Big Dave and the Ultrasonics-No Sweat, Blues From the Heart Volume II (various artists), George Bedard and the Kingpins-Hip Deep

Morse, Jim: saxophone.  Born 07 October 1942.  Played with the Bugs Beddow Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) Bugs Beddow Band ‘Bone Appetit tour-Live at the 1997 Mid-Michigan Blues Festival, Bob Willett & The Blues Devils-Messin’ With Your Mind

Morton, Wayne: bass/resonator guitar.  Played with Big Foot Bob and the Toe Tappers.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Big Foot Bob and the Toe Tappers-Music 2 Tap Your Toes 2

Mosher, David: mandolin.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Jo Serraphere-My Blue Heaven

Mote, Gordon: keyboards/vocals.  Played with TC & the Roadmasters.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) TC & the Roadmasters-Undercover Blues

Motley, Lonnie: bass guitar.  Played with the Bobby Murray Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Bobby Murray-Waiting For Mr. Goodfingers

Moyer, Rick “Mad Dog”: harmonica/percussion.  Played with Mad Dog & Blues Night Out.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Blues From the Heart Volume II (various artists)

Mr. Bo (see Louis Collins)

Muczinski, Dave: trumpet.  Worked with the Regular Boys.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Regular Boys-Right From Wrong, Mystery Train-Love Lost

Murphy, Chris: saxophone/organ.  Played with The Old Chicago Blues Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Chicago Pete-The Blues is Alright

Murphy, Ken: drums.  Played with City Limits Blues Band, Bluecat Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Bluecat Band-Blueprints, Blues From the Heart (various artists), Uncut Detroit: Live Blues in the Night (various Artists)

Murphy, Phil: saxophone.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Chicago Pete-The Blues is Alright

Murray, Bobby: guitar. Played with the Bobby Murray Band, Etta James, B.B. King, Albert Collins, Robert Cray, Albert King, John Lee Hooker, Frankie Lee, Johnny “Guitar” Watson, Percy Mayfield, Pee Wee Crayton, Otis Rush, Taj Mahal, Charlie Musselwhite, and Lowell Fulson. Murray played on two of Etta James’ Grammy winning recordings and on B.B. King’s Grammy award winning album “Blues Summit.” Murray has appeared on numerous television programs, including “The Tonight Show,” "Austin City Limits," and “Late Night with David Letterman,” and also performed live at the 1992 Summer Olympics and President Bill Clinton’s inaugural celebration. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Detroit Blues Society in 2011. Recordings include The Blues Is Now (Viceroy), Waiting For Mr. Goodfingers (No Cover Records), Live and Low Down, and I'm Sticking With You. Murray also contributed to recordings B.B. King - Blues Summit, Etta James Let's Roll, and Etta James Blues to the Bone. References: Blues Notes, Vol.5, No.7; JB Blues, Nov. 28, 2012.

Mycek, Tim, Jr.: drums.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Blues From the Heart Volume II (various artists), Pat Savage Band-Made In Detroit.

 

N-O

Nagel, Paul: vocals/guitar.  Played with The Boogie Men.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Boogie Men-Released for Production (4 track demo)

Nager, “Guitar” Gary: guitar.  Played with the Sudden Impact Band.

Nania, John: bass guitar.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Bobby Murray-Waiting For Mr. Goodfingers

Nardella, Steve: guitar/vocals/harmonica.  Played with The Vipers in 1970’s, Steve Nardella Trio.  The Vipers appeared at the 1973 Ann Arbor Blues & Jazz Festival.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Please Mr. Foreman: Motor City Blues at the Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival 1973, Blues From the Heart Volume II (various artists)

Nathos, Chris: guitar.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Blues at Midnight-Live at the Attic (various artists)

Nazly, “Black”: vocalist.  Appeared with Johnny Mae Matthews on recording included on (CD) Please Mr. Foreman: Motor City Blues at the Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival 1973

Neal, Jim: bass.  Played with The Blues Rays

Neals, Eliza: vocalist. Blues-rock singer songwriter producer and lead piano/vocals for the American band 'Eliza Neals and the Narcotics.' Born in Detroit, MI and raised in Metro Detroit, attended Wayne State University and graduated with a in BA Music piano/voice. Discography: 'I'm Waiting' 2003, 'Liquorfoot' 2005, 'No Frogs for Snakes' 2008, 'Stronghold ll' 2008 (co-written w/ Barrett Strong), 'Messin with a Fool' 2012 (co-written w/ Barrett Strong and Tino Gross), 'Breaking and Entering' 2015 (co-written w/ Howard Glazer, feat. Kenny Olson); [B&E Debuted March 2015 on Roots Music Report blues-rock charts at #2 + Living Blues chart at #24. Top #5 Album Amazon Best seller in Blues-rock for 6 months. 'B & E' garnered worldwide press and radio including, B.B.Kings Bluesville Sirius/Xm CH 70 in heavy rotation. Entered on the first round Grammy Consideration ballot in 2015.] elizaneals@yahoo.com

Eliza Neals and the Narcotics: Blues-rock band featuring Detroit HOF International blues guitarist Howard Glazer, Funkadelic touring drummer Gabe Gonzalez and Detroit bassist John Abraham w/ special guest musicians. Awards - Detroit Music Awards: 1) Outstanding Blues songwriter 2012 2) Outstanding Blues/R&B Album 2013 'Messin with a Fool' 3) Outstanding Rock songwriter 2013 4) Outstanding Blues songwriter 2015. Recognition - 'Metrotimes' Cover 2011, Real Detroit Best Blues Artist 2012, Music Connection 2014 '100 Top Unsigned Artist', "B & E" on Multiple Top 10 Radio and Blues album lists for 2015. http://ElizaNeals.com, FaceBook: http://TheDetroitDiva.com, Twitter: http://Twitter.com/ElizaNealsRocks, Instagram: http://instagram.com/elizaneals

Newton, “Mississippi” Al: electric guitar/vocals.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Uncle Jessie White & The 29th Street Band, Blues From the Heart Volume II (various artists)

Nicholas, John: guitar.  Played with The Vipers in 1970’s.  The Vipers appeared at the 1973 Ann Arbor Blues & Jazz Festival.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Please Mr. Foreman: Motor City Blues at the Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival 1973

Nicholls, Jimmy: vocals/harmonica.  Played with Motor City Bluez Project.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Live at Lou’s

Nisco, Larry: vocals/saxophone/percussion.  Played with the City Limits Blues Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) City Limits Blues Band-So Many Roads, Blues From The Heart (various artists), Live at Lou’s (various artists)

Nistor, Steven: drums.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Motor City Sheiks-Sensational Rhythms, The Brett Lucas Band-The Brett Lucas Band

Noel, Jim: piano/keyboards. Played with Mitch Ryder, Al Wilson and with Blue Metro.

Noffz, Eric: baritone saxophone.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Joce’lyn B-Bitch a da Blues

Noll, Robert: guitar/slide guitar/vocals.  Toured with Albert Collins & the Ice Breakers (1979-84), Lil Ruben & The Motor City Player’s (late 70’s), Big Twist and the Mellow Fellows (Chicago 1984-1985 ½).  Played with Robert Noll & the Mission, Robert Noll and Mission Blue.  Received the Detroit Blues Society’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 1993.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Bugs Beddow Band-3D Blues, Blues From the Heart Volume II (various artists) and (LP) Detroit Blues Factory Vol. 1 (various artists), Detroit Blues Factory Vol. 1 (various artists), Blues Mission – Robert Noll Blues Mission, Happy Bluesday-Robert Noll Blues Mission (CS/CD).

Nulisch, Darrell: vocals/harmonica.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Kenny Parker-Raise The Dead

O, Johnny (a.k.a.: Detroit Johnny): vocals

O’Boyle, Mark: pedal steel guitar.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) George Bedard and the Kingpins-Triple Crown, George Bedard and the Kingpins-Upside!

O’Brien, Matt: acoustic guitar.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Thornetta Davis-Sunday Morning Music

Ocwieja, Larry “Oogie”: guitar/vocals/song writer.  Played with The Shindig and the NoteBenders.

O’Donnell, James: trumpet/vocals.  Worked with Bon Temps Roulle.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Bon Temps Roulle-Swaggy Dog; Johnnie Bassett & The Blues Insurgents-Live at the Montreux-Detroit Jazz Festival

Ogen, Detroit Johnny: vocals.  Played with Tim Tam & The Turn Ons (1960s), RJ’s Rhythm Rockers

Oliver, Chet: recordings include contributions to (CD) A Fortune of Blues-Vol. 2 (various Artists).  Detroit recordings released by Fortune Records include Going Back to Chicago

One Arm John (see Big John Wrencher)

One String Sam (see Sam Wilson)

Orr, Daryl: rhythm guitar.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Mark Archak-Natural Born Blueser

Osborne, Roberta Louise (see Alberta Adams)

Oster, Ron: harmonica/saxophone/percussion.  Published the Detroit “bluespaper” Blues Review.  Played with the City Limits Blues Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) City Limits Blues Band-So Many Roads, Blues From The Heart (various artists), Live at Lou’s (various artists)

Owens, Keith: guitar/vocals/Metro Times columnist.  Performed with The Family and with Luther “Bad Man” Keith Band.

 

P

Pace, Jim: drums.  Played with TC & the Roadmasters.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) TC & the Roadmasters-Undercover Blues

dePadilla, Patricio (Pat) Esteban Gabriel: tenor saxophone.  Played with Lady Sunshine and the X Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Lady Sunshine and the X Band-All Kind Of Men, Uncut Detroit: Live Blues in the Night (various Artists), Lady Sunshine and the X Band-Man Trouble

Palise, Nick: saxophone.  Played with many Detroit bans including the Regular Boys.

Palo, Bernie “San”: keyboards.  Worked with the Regular Boys.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Regular Boys-Right From Wrong

Pangborn, Ron: drums.  Worked with Bon Temps Roulle, The Chisel Brothers.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Bon Temps Roulle-Swaggy Dog, Uncut Detroit: Live Blues in the Night (various Artists), Live at Lou’s (various artists)

Panzo, Vince: drums.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Blue Rose-Rock Me Low

Parker, Kenny: guitar.  Born Albion, MI in 1952.  Moved to Detroit in 1976.  Played with Mr. Bo, The Butler Twins, The Kenny Parker Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Kenny Parker-Raise The Dead, The Butler Twins-The Butler’s Boogie, The Butler Twins Blues Band-Pursue Your Dreams, The Butler Twins-Not Gonna Worry About Tomorrow, Blues Across America-The Detroit Scene, Blues at Midnight-Live at the Attic (various artists)

Parks, Dave: guitar.  Reference: Blues Notes, Vol.4, No.8

Pasman, Mark “The Pazman”: guitar/vocals/radio personality.  Played with Mudpuppy.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Blues From the Heart Volume II (various artists), Uncut Detroit: Live Blues in the Night (various Artists)

Patterson: Buster Wylie: (see Buster Wylie)

Paul, “Lonesome” Dave: guitar/vocals/drums/song writer.  Usually performs solo.

Pauline, Rick: keys/vocals.  Played with Too Blue Feat.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) Too Blue Feat-All Choked Up, Too Blue Feat-Blues of the Burbs

Parrish, Edmond: vocalist/vibraphonist.

Pasko, Dave: harmonica.  Played with Shirley Franklin & Delta Drive.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Shirley Franklin & Delta Drive

Pasman, Mark “The Paz Man”: guitar/dobro/mandolin/DJ.  Played with Mudpuppy, Motor City Bluez Project.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Mudpuppy-White Bread & Hot Sauce, Mudpuppy-One Night Only, Live at Lou’s

Paxton, John “T-Bone”: trombone.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Motor City Street Band- Sun Street Boogie

Payton, James: alto & tenor saxophone.  Played with Luther “Bad Man” Keith.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Joce’lyn B-Bitch a da Blues, Luther Keith-Badman.

Paz Man (see mark Pasman)

Penchoff, Mike: harmonica. Recordings include contributions to (LP) Detroit Blues Factory Vol. 1 (various artists)

Penn, Robert: guitar/vocals.  Born March 29, 1954.  Recordings include (LP) Robert Penn-Mighter Than The Sword.

Penny, Steve: drums; played with Too Blue Feat and Stoney Mazar and the Westsiders.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Too Blue Feat-All Choked Up, Too Blue Feat-Blues of the Burbs

Perkins, Todd: upright bass.  Played with Motor City Sheiks.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Motor City Shieks-Working Everyday

Perryman, Rufus (a.k.a.: Speckled Red/Detroit Red): piano.  Born October 23, 1892, LA.  He moved to Detroit as a youth.  He played in Hamton, Georga in the early 1920s and returned to Detroit in 1927.  In 1941, moved to St. Louis, Missouri.  Died: January 2, 1973, St. Louis, MO. Reference: Cohassey, Detroit Blues, Vo.3, No.1, p.12

Pete, Chicago (see Alford Obsie Harrell, Sr.)

Peter Rabbit (see Robert Johnson)

Peters, Oswald: guitar.  He is from St. Louis.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Ben Moore & Blues Express-Live at the Ann Arbor Art Fair

Petersen, Scott: alto & tenor saxophone.  Original member of Johnnie Bassett & the Blues Insurgents.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Johnnie Bassett & The Blues Insurgents-Live at the Montreux-Detroit Jazz Festival, Blues From The Heart (various artists), Johnnie Bassett & The Blues Insurgents-I Gave My Life to the Blues and (LP) Detroit Blues Factory Vol. 1 (various artists)

Peterson Kris: vocals.  Reference: Detroit Blues, Vol.2, No.3, p.25

Phelps, Buddy: one man band.

Piano Fats (see Detroit Piano Fats)

Picard, Dave: bass.  Played with Steve Nardella Trio.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Blues From the Heart Volume II (various artists)

Piccolo, Joe: saxophone/vocals.  Played with RJ’s Rhythm Rockers.

Pickens, Kenny: bass.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Hastings Street Grease-Volume 1 (various artists), Hastings Street Grease-Volume 2 (various artists)

Pierce, Darryl: vocals/drums.  Played with Mudpuppy.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Mudpuppy-White Bread & Hot Sauce, Mudpuppy-One Night Only, Blues From the Heart Volume II (various artists), Uncut Detroit: Live Blues in the Night (various Artists)

Pinaud, Eric: harmonica.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Terraplanes-Well Tuned

Pino, Al: drums.  Recordings include contributions to (LP) Detroit Blues Factory Vol. 1 (various artists).

Pistorio, Joe: drums.  Played with The Blue Suit Blues Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Motor City Shieks-Working Everyday, Blues From The Heart (various artists)

Pittman, Sampson: guitar.  Alan Lomax recorded Calvin Frazer in Detroit on October 16, 1938 for the Library of Congress.  In that session, Frazer did the vocals and guitar and Sampson Pittman played second guitar on the song Welfare Blues.

Plankenhorn, Jeff: dobro.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Jo Serraphere-My Blue Heaven

Potter, “Mpngo Willie” John: bass.  Played with the Willies.

Powelson, Allen: drums.  Played with Jerry Mack and the Terraplanes.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Terraplanes-Well Tuned

Pratt, Danny; harmonica/guitar/vocals; guitar/vocals.  Played with The Pratt Brothers, The Danny Pratt Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Pratt Brothers-If You Didn’t Know

Pratt, Eric J.: guitar/vocals.  Played with The Pratt Brothers.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Pratt Brothers-If You Didn’t Know

Preston, Richard: percussion/horn. Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Hastings Street Blues Band-Down on Hastings Street

Price, Camille: vocalist.  Worked with the Blues Disciples in early 1990’s

Price, Charlie: piano.  Born 1905 in Reydell, Arkansas.  Moved to Detroit 1947.  Played at the Sunset Bar.  Lost several fingers from right hand in 1943 accident with a saw.  Played at “house-rent” parties (“chittlin struts”) in early 1970’s.  A private recording titled Gonna Play The Blues released on (CD) Detroit After Hours Vol. 1 (various artists)

Price, Kerry: piano.  Born: March 6, 1939, KY.  Came to Detroit in 1960.  Worked as public school music teacher in the Detroit area.  Performed at Bimbo’s, Ann Arbor, MI.  Recordings include (CS) Kerry Price-All By Myself.  Reference: Harris, pp.421-422

Price, Priscilla: vocalist.  Originally from West Virginia.  Played with the Kenny Miller Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) I’m Not For Sale, Priscilla Price and the Kenny Miller Band-Uncut Detroit II (various artists).  Reference: Detroit Blues, Vol.2, No.3, p.25

Pringle, Bob: bass/vocals.  Played with the Saginaw, MI based The Boogie Monsters Blues Band in 2000

Prior, Jim: drums.  Played with Bob Willett and the Blues Devils.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Bob Willett & The Blues Devils-Messin’ With Your Mind

Proulx, Bill “Billy Keys”: keyboards/vocals.  Played with the Mid Life Crisis Blues Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Mid Life Crisis Blues Band-“Live and Still Kickin’”

Prouty, Patrick (Pat): bass.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Bill Heid & The Detroit Blues Masters-We Play The Blues, Alberta Adams-Say Baby Say, Harmonica Shah-Motor City Mojo

Pryor, Jim: drums/vocals.  Born on September 3rd.  Played with the Bugs Beddow Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Bugs Beddow Band ‘Bone Appetit tour-Live at the 1997 Mid-Michigan Blues Festival

Pulker, Ted: keyboards/vocals.  Played with Mudpuppy.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Blues From the Heart Volume II (various artists)

Purcell, J. P.: harmonica/vocals. Played with The Blue Front Persuaders and the NoteBenders.

 

Q-R

Queen, BB: vocals/guitar.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) BB Queen-Everybody’s Favorite Qualified and Able.  Reference: Detroit Blues, Vol.2, No.3, p.24

Rabaut, Bob: harmonica.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) Detroit Blues Band-Playin’ It Cool

Rabson, Ann: piano/vocals.  Resided in eastern United States.  Toured with the group Saffire-The Uppity Blues Women.  Recordings made in the Detroit area include contributions to (CD) Madcat & Kane-Up Against the Wall

Ragnoni, Dan: drums.  Worked with B-Side Blues Project

Randolph, Paul “Van Ren”: vocals/bass/acoustic guitar.  Played with Motor City Bluez Project, Mudpuppy.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Mudpuppy-White Bread & Hot Sauce, Mudpuppy-One Night Only, Blues From the Heart Volume II (various artists), Uncut Detroit: Live Blues in the Night (various Artists), Live at Lou’s

Rasmussen, Gary: bass.  Born 01/07/52 in Detroit and lived in Ann Arbor since 1967.  Began playing at age 11.  Played with Harmonica Shah Blues Band, Steve Nardella Band, Sunny Girl and the UV Rays, GRR, Jill Jack, Dodge Main, Motor Jam, Michael Katon Band, Allan Ginsburg/Patti Smith, Scott’s Pirates, Scott Morgan Band, Iggy Pop, Sonic’s Redezvous Band, Uprising, The Up, and The Citations.    Recordings include contributions to (CD) Deep Detroit and the albvums Sonic’s Rendezvous Band-Sweet Nothings, Sonic’s Rendezvous Band-City Slang, The Up-Killer Up, various artists-Motor City’s Burning Vol.1, Michael Katon Band-Rip it Hard, Michael Kayton Band-Rub, Michael Katon Band-Bustin Up the Joint, Patti Smith-Dream of Life, Scot’s Pirates-Scot’s Pirates, Scot Morgan Band- Revolutionary Means, Jill Jack-Too Close to the Sun, Sonic’s Rendezvous Band-Sweet Nothings and the singles Sonic’s Rendezvous Band-City Slang, The Up-Just Like an Aboriginy, The Up-Free John Now, and Scot’s Pirates-Detroit.

Rasmussen, Jim (James): bass.  Played with Big Dave & the Ultrasonics and Lady Sunshine and the X Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Big Dave and the Ultrasonics-No Sweat, Blues From the Heart Volume II (various artists), Lady Sunshine and the X Band-Man Trouble

Ratliff, Dale “The Rat”: bass.  Played with Shirley Franklin and Delta Drive.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Shirley Franklin & Delta Drive

Reid, Rusty: guitar.  Played with The Corruptors.

Reif, Fred: rubboard (washboard)/promoter/manager/author.  Born May 18, 1947 in Saginaw, MI.  Experimented with drums beginning at age twelve and then jug and washboard.  Performed with a band in college.  He coordinated talent at the 1973 Ann Arbor Blues & Jazz Festival.   He re-discovered and promoted a number of Detroit area blues men beginning in the early 1970’s.  Reif is well known by Detroit fans for his work with Otis Hicks (Lightnin’ Slim) and Lazy Lester.  He has written many articles on Detroit blues artists for a variety of publications.  He contributed to albums as a photographer, writer and musician.  He worked with P-Vine Records in Japan to re-release vintage Bobo Jenkins recordings from the Big Star label.  His contributions to Detroit releases include (CDs) Steve Nardella-Daddy Rollin’ Stone; Doug Deming & the Jewel Tones-Double Down and Uncut Detroit: Live Blues in the Night (various Artists).  Reference: personal communication from Fred Reif.

Reinstein, David: alto & tenor saxophone.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Mudpuppy-White Bread & Hot Sauce

Reyna, Bill: drums/vocals.  Played with Val Ventro & The Motor City V-8.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Val Ventro & The Motor City V-8 Live at Memphis Smoke

Reynolds, Gary: trumpet.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Jo Serraphere-My Blue Heaven

Reynolds, Jef: bass.  Played with Jo Serraphere and the Hot Tail Section.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) Jo Serraphere-My Blue Heaven and recordings accompanying the Reverend Robert B Jones, Ann Rabson, Alberta Adams, Thornetta Davis, Cee Cee Collins, Ron English, Faruq Z Bey and RJ Spangler. Ref: personal communication from Jef Reynolds.

Reynolds, Marshall “Big Jack”: harmonica/vocals.  Born July 11, 1931 Albany, Georgia.  Lived in Detroit with his family in early sixties.  Recorded in Detroit in 1960s for Mah’s label and Fortune Records/Hi-Q.  Recordings included contributions to (CD) A Fortune of Blues-Vol. 1 (various Artists), A Fortune of Blues-Vol. 2 (various Artists), Vintage Toledo Blues 1950-1980 (various artists).  Detroit recordings released by Fortune Records include I Had A Little Dog, Going Down Slow, You Won’t Treat Me Right.  Reference: Healy, 1998.

Rice, Bonny (“Sir Mack”): song writer/vocalist.  Born in Clarksdale, MS.  Came to Detroit and, in 1956, joined the Motown group the Falcons.  Their big hit was You’re So Fine.  He wrote Mustang Sally, Respect Yourself, Cadillac Assembly Line and was a writer at Stax Records in Memphis.

Richards, Jon: drums.  Played with Mad Dog & Blues Night Out.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Blues From the Heart Volume II (various artists)

Richards, Robby: baritone saxophone.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Mudpuppy-White Bread & Hot Sauce

Richards, Rob: baritone saxophone.  Worked with the Regular Boys.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Regular Boys-Right From Wrong

Richards, Robert: recorded in Detroit in 1950s

Richardson, Rick: Hammond organ.  Played with the Steve Somers Band

Richmond, Cassius: alto saxophone.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Chicago Pete-The Blues is Alright

Riley, “Diamond” Jim: Detroit recording company owner.  He had the Big D and Diamond Jim Recording labels.  He released Nr. Bo’s hit If Trouble Was Money.  He was murdered in 1971 in Detroit.

Robb, Jim “JR Willie”: keyboards.  Played with the Willies.

Robert, William: guitar.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Sweet Claudette-Linament & Collard Greens

Roberts, Jeff: guitar.  Played with Mad Dog & Blues Night Out.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Blues From the Heart Volume II (various artists)

Roberts, Johnny: keyboards/vocals.  Played with the Hastings Street Blues Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) the Hastings Street Blues Band-Down on Hastings Street, Uncut Detroit: Live Blues in the Night (various Artists)

Roberts, Nathan: drums.  Played with Blues Controversy.

Robert, William: guitar.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Sweet Claudette-Linament & Collard Greens

Roberts, William: guitar.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Blues at Midnight-Live at the Attic (various artists)

Robinson, Frank ‘Sugar Chile’: vocals/piano.  He was born in Detroit in 1938.  Won talent contest at the Michigan Theater in Detroit where hr was discovered by bandleader Frankie Carle.  Went on to tour with Lionel Hampton, do Armed Services radio, performed for President Truman at the White House and movies.  He then recorded for the Capitol label.  Recordings included: Numbers Boogie and Caldonia.  More national tour followed. Stopped performing in the mid-fifties until 2007 when he once again hit the stage.  Ref: personal communication from Fred Reif.

Robinson, Kenny: trumpet.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Mudpuppy-White Bread & Hot Sauce

Robinson, Mark: harmonica/vocals.  Played with The Blue Rays, The Witch Doctors, Motor City Sheiks.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Motor City Shieks-Working Everyday, Motor City Sheiks-Sensational Rhythms, The Blue Rays-Shake, Shuffle & Grind

Robinson, Rudy: piano.  He played with many Detroit groups and was bandleader for Bettye Lavette at the time of his death in February 2002.

Rodrigues, Mario: vocals/trumpet/harmonica.  Played with Blutopia.

Rogers, “Little Dickie” (a.k.a.: Samuel Dacus Rogers): piano/organ.  Born September 10, 1920 Mobile, Alabama.  Studied at Detroit Conservatory of Music.  Played in small jazz combos and at “house-rent” parties (“chittlin struts”) in early 1970’s.  Private recordings titled I Surrender Dear/St. Louis Boogie and Sweet Patunia released on (CD) Detroit After Hours Vol. 1 (various artists)

Rogers, Lee: vocalist.  Along with Mr. Bo Collins founded Gold Top Records.

Rogers, Vernon: drums.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Hastings Street Grease-Volume 2 (various artists)

Rolfs, Frank: drums.  Played with The Red Mercury Blues Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Red Mercury Band-Nothin Purty Boutda Blues

Roscoe, (a.k.a.: Brian White): guitar; records and mixes for others.  Played with The Chisel Brothers.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Bon Temps Roulle-Swaggy Dog, Blues From the Heart (various Artists), Uncut Detroit: Live Blues in the Night (various Artists), Live at Lou’s (various artists)

Ross, Dr. Isaiah “The Harmonica Boss”: drums/guitar/harmonica/kazoo/percussion/vocals/one man band.  Born October 21, 1925, MS.  Moved to Flint, MI in 1954 and took employment at GM.  Known for songs Boogie Disease, Industrial Boogie, General Motors Blues, I’d Rather Be An Old Woman’s Baby Than a Young Woman’s Slave.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Please Mr. Foreman: Motor City Blues at the Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival 1973, A Fortune of Blues-Vol. 1 (various Artists), A Fortune of Blues-Vol. 2 (various Artists).  Recorded on Detroit labels Fortune and Hi-Q and on Flint labels DIR, Xtra and Testament.  Detroit recordings released by Fortune Records include Cat Squirrel, Call The Doctor, New York Breakdown, Industrial Boogie, Cannonball San Francisco Breakdown, Thirty Two Twenty, Sunnyland, Numbers Boogie.  Often worked as a one-man band.  Died May 28, 1993, Flint, MI and was buried there.  References: Harris, pp. 442-444;  Sinclair, 1994

Ross, Johnny (see Johnny Roberts)

Ross, Mike: drums.  Played with 3 of Us.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Live at Lou’s (various artists)

Ross, Mike: harmonica.  Played with Stoney Mazar and the Westsiders.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Stoney Mazar & The Westsiders-Motor City Blues

Rubio, Brandy: vocals.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Nikki James & The Flamethrowers-Cleanin’ House

Rude, Al: bass/vocals.  Played with Butler Twins and RJ’s Rhrythm Rockers.  Engineered recordinds for Kenny Parker and Marc Falconberry.

Rude, Karl: played with Robert Noll and Mission Blue

Rumel, Chris: bass.  Played with The Blue Suit Blues Band, Jeff Grand & The Grandmasters, The Motor City Sheiks.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Butler Twins-The Butler’s Boogie, The Butler Twins Blues Band-Pursue Your Dreams, Motor City Sheiks-Sensational Rhythms, Blues From The Heart (various artists), Uncut Detroit: Live Blues in the Night (various Artists), Live at Lou’s (various artists)

Ruth, Peter “Madcat”: harmonica/vocals/percussion.  Formed duo with Sheri Kane in July 1990 billed as “Madcat & Kane”.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Blues From the Heart Volume II (various artists), Rollie Tussing III-Blow Whistle Blow, Madcat & the Cats-Live at the Ark, Madcat & Kane-Up Against the Wall, Madcat’s Harmonicology

Rybinski, Harry: bass.  Played in Detroit with C. J. Morris and his Back Alley Blues Band

Rychwalski, Ken: guitar.  Played with Square Business Blues Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Live at Lou’s (various artists)

Ryski, Phil “Riskey”: keyboards/harmonica.  Played with Jerry Mack and the Terraplanes.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Terraplanes-Well Tuned, “Rev.” Marc Falconberry-irReverend Blues

 

S

Salmonwicz, Joe: guitar.  Played with the PlayBoys.  Recordings include (CD) The PlayBoys-A Look Inside-the demo cuts.

Savage, Pat: guitar/vocals.  Played with the Pat Savage Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Pat Savage Band-Made In Detroit.

Sax Kari: See Isaac Columbus Toombs, Jr.

Scalabrino, Vinnie “Va-Voom”: drums/vocals.  Worked with Steve Gornall & The Blue Collar Blues Band, The Regular Boys.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Regular Boys-Right From Wrong, Steve Gornall & The Blue Collar Blues Band, Live at Lou’s (various artists)

Schema, John: vocals.  Played with James Glass and the Get to Getting’ Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) James Glass and the Get to Getting Band-Get This

Schentag, Brian:  Was Detroit Blues Society Board Member and treasurer and played with The Rockafellas.

Schmidt, Claudia: vocals.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Madcat & Kane-Up Against the Wall

Schultz, Bob: vocals/keys/saxophone:  Played with Big Foot Bob and the Toe Tappers.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Big Foot Bob and the Toe Tappers-Music 2 Tap Your Toes 2

Schwartz, Steve: guitar.  Played with the Alligators.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Alligators-Uncut Detroit II, The Alligators-Take The Bait, Blues From The Heart (various artists), The Alligators-Gimme Some Skin!, Live at Lou’s (various artists)

Scott, Barbara: percussion/guitar/editor of Detroit “bluespaper” Blues Review.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Blues From The Heart (various artists), The Alligators-Ain’t Nothin’ But Love

Scott, Craig: bass/vocals.  Worked with the Regular Boys.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Regular Boys-Right From Wrong

Scott, Fred: keyboards.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Sweet Claudette-Linament & Collard Greens

Seeley, Bob: piano.  Known as a boogie woogie master.  Played at Carnegie Hall.  Toured Europe.  Was an accompanist for Sippie Wallace.  Usually performs solo.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Bob Seeley-Industrial Strength Boogie Woogie & Blues Piano, (CS) Boogie Woogie and Blues, Volume 1, (CS) Blues and Boogie Woogie, Volume 2

Selly, David: trumpet.  Played with Blues Controversy

Selly, Rosco: harmonica/vocalist.  Played with Blues Controversy

Seminole, Paul: piano.  Lived and played in pre-WWII Detroit

Serraphere, Jo: vocals/guitar/vox/harmonica.  Played with Jo Serraphere and the Hot Tail Section.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Jo Serraphere-My Blue Heaven

Seyler, Mark: drums.  Played with the Alligators.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Alligators-Uncut Detroit II, The Alligators-Take The Bait, Blues From The Heart (various artists), The Alligators-Gimme Some Skin!, Live at Lou’s (various artists), The Alligators-Ain’t Nothin’ But Love

Shah, Seward “Harmonica” (a.k.a.: Harmonica Shaw/ Thaddeus Lewis Hall): harmonica/vocals.  Born Oakland, CA-1946, given the name Thaddeus Lewis Hall and raised in Summersville, Texas.  Arrived in Detroit in 1967.  Began playing harmonica in 1976.  Awarded the Detroit Blues Society Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999.  Played with The Harmonica Shah Blues Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) Harmonica Shah-Deep Detroit, Hastings Street Grease-Volume 1 (various artists), Hastings Street Grease-Volume 2 (various artists), Harmonica Shah-Motor City Mojo, Motor Town Music Festival-1999 (various artists) and (LP) Detroit Blues Factory Vol. 1 (various artists).  Reference: Living Blues, #160, December 2001, pp.9-10

Shapiro, Ira: guitar.  Played with Stoney Mazar and the Westsiders.

Sharp, Curtis: drums.  Played with Little Sonny and the Detroit Rhythm Group.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Little Sunny-Blues With A Feeling (The Ann Arbor Blues & Jazz Festival)

Shema, John: vocals.  Played with James Glass Get to Getting’ Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Live at Lou’s (various artists)

Shields, Lonnie: guitar/vocals.  Played with Mad Dog & Blues Night Out.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Blues From the Heart Volume II (various artists)

Shomaker, Wayne: guitar.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Joce’lyn B-Bitch a da Blues

Showler, Cindy: organ.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Nikki James & The Flamethrowers-Cleanin’ House

Showler, Dale: guitar/lap steel.  Performed with Nikki James & The Flamethrowers and with The Amazing Boneheads.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Nikki James & The Flamethrowers-Cleanin’ House

Simmon, Mark: keys/vocals.  Played with Martha and the Vandellas, appeared with Frankie Ford, The Drifters and the Contours.  Joined RJ’s Rhythm Rockers in 2003.

Simmons, Martin: keyboards.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Terraplanes-Well Tuned

Simonson, Jim: electric & acoustic bass.  Played with Black Beauty and the Brothers Groove.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Black Beauty-SeÔor Smoke, Joce’lyn B-Bitch a da Blues

Simple, Herbert Bob: keyboards.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Joce’lyn B-Bitch a da Blues

Simpson, Joe: percussion.  Played with the Sharecroppers of Soul.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Live at Lou’s (various artists)

Sinclair, John: blues scholar/poet/activist.  Co-producer of the 1972, 1973 & 1974 Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festivals.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) Cruisin’ Songs From The Motor City (various artists)

Sirvinskis, Chris (see Chef Chris)

Skeeto: drums/percussion/vocals.  Played with “Boar Gig” Brigade.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Blues From The Heart (various artists), Thornetta Davis-Sunday Morning Music

Smith, Bobby: drums.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Eddie Burns-Detroit

Smith, Bobby: guitar.  Recorded with Eddie Carson

Smith, Cedric: vocals.  Played with 3 of Us.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Live at Lou’s (various artists)

Smith, Charles “Chuck”, Jr.: piano.  Born July 9, 1920 Homnoke, Arkansas.  Moved to Detroit in 1946.  Recorded with Eddie Burns, Baby Boy Warren and Little Sonny Willis.  Played at the Banks Bar (Clay & Russell), Congo Lounge (Chene & Gratiot), Thunder Bar (solo in 60’s) and Twenty Grand (solo in 60’s).  Played at “house-rent” parties (“chittlin struts”) in early 1970’s.  Private recordings titled The Train is Comin’ and Tin Pan Alley released on (CD) Detroit After Hours Vol. 1 (various artists)

Smith, Chris: trombone.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Al Hill & the Love Butlers-Willie Mae, George Bedard and the Kingpins-Hip Deep

Smith, Clara (a.k.a.: Violet Green): piano.  Born: about 1894, SC.  Died: February 2, 1935, Detroit, MI.  Buried: Lincoln Cemetery, Macomb County, MI.  Reference: Harris, pp. 466-467

Smith, Henry: recordings include contributions to (CD) A Fortune of Blues-Vol. 2 (various Artists); Detroit recordings released by Fortune Records include Dog Me Blues

Smith, Jay: bass.  Played with the Pete Fetters Band.

Smith, John T.: guitar.  Played with Eddie Burns in 1940’s and early 1950’s.  Detroit recordings include tracks with Eddie released on (CD) John Lee Hooker/Eddie Burns-Detroit Blues 1950-1951

Smith, Pine Top: piano.  Frequently visited and played in pre-WWII Detroit.  Reference: Lowry, 1973.

Smith, Richard: guitar.  Played with 3 of Us.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Live at Lou’s (various artists)

Smith, Rick: played with RJ’s Rhythm Rockers

Smith, Wesley: bass.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) “Rev.” Marc Falconberry-irReverend Blues

Sobolewski, Dave: organ.  Worked with Swingshift, B-Side Blues Project

Sokoll, Dean (Deno): guitar/vocals.  He played with Hot Lucy and The Fabulous Lazyboyz in 2007.

Somers, Steve: guitar/vocals.  Born New York City and raised in San Francisco Bay area. Moved to Detroit 1980.  Formed the Steve Somers Band circa 1990.  Valerie Barrymore became his lead vocalist circa 1996 and they later married.  Formed Alley Records.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Steve Somers Band with Valerie Barrymore-Blue Condition, Steve Somers Band with Valerie Barrymore-Steve & Val

Spand, Charlie: piano.  Worked in Detroit in late 1920s and by 1929 was living in the Black Bottom area.  This period inspired the song Hastings Street which he recorded with Blind Blake.  References:  Cohassey, Detroit Blues, Vol.3. No.1, p.13; Cowley, 1996, p.159

Spangler, R.J.: drums/percussion/manager/promoter.  Was born on November 23rd.  Was a founding member of The Sun Messengers & The Blues Insurgents.  Played with the Blues Disciples in early 1990’s.  Also played with RJ’s Rhythm Rockers, RJ’s Blues Crew.  Was Chairman of the Board of the Detroit Blues Society and was awarded the Society’s Lifetime Achievement Award.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) Bill Heid & The Detroit Blues Masters-We Play The Blues, Alberta Adams-Say Baby Say, Harmonica Shah-Motor City Mojo, Blues Across America-The Detroit Scene, Johnnie Bassett and The Blues Insurgents-Cadillac Blues, Alberta Adams and RJ’s Blues Crew-Uncut Detroit II, Alberta Adams-Born With The Blues, Johnnie Bassett & The Blues Insurgents-Live at the Montreux-Detroit Jazz Festival, Blues From The Heart (various artists), Johnnie Bassett & The Blues Insurgents-I Gave My Life to the Blues, Johnnie Bassett with the Bill Heid Trio-Bassett Hound, Joe Weaver and His New Blue Note Orchestra-Baby I Love You So, Uncut Detroit: Live Blues in the Night (various Artists), Sweet Claudette-Ain’t Gonna Wash Your Dirty Clothes.

Sparling, Tim: piano/Hammond B-3.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Kenny Parker-Raise The Dead

Spearman, Jerome: drums.  Played with the Supremes, Martha & the Vandella, and other R&B and blues groups.

Speckled Red (see Rufus Perryman)

Speights, Daniel: bass.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Deep Detroit.  Played with The Harmonica Shah Blues Band

Spivey, Addie (a.k.a.: Hanna May/ Sweet Peas): vocals/piano.  Born: August 22, 1910, TX.  Was a sister to Victoria Spivey.  Thought to have moved to Detroit in 1930s.  Died: 1943, Detroit, MI.  Reference: Harris, p.480

Spivey, Victoria: vocals/piano.  Born October 15, 1906 Houston, Texas.  Performed at the 1973 Ann Arbor Blues & Jazz Festival and the recording made there was released on (CD) Ann Arbor Blues & Jazz Festival, Volume 3: “Grind It!” Roosevelt Sykes & Victoria Spivey

Stacia: vocals/guitar.  Recordings include contributions to(CD) Stacia-A Milestone a Minute, Stacia-Sessions from the Mission

Staels, Jeanne: vocals/tambourine.  Worked with the Regular Boys.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Regular Boys-Right From Wrong

Stahl, Matt: drums.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Deep Detroit.  Played with The Harmonica Shah Blues Band

Steele, “Big Dave”: guitar/vocals.  Played with Big Dave and the Unltasonics.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Big Dave and the Ultrasonics-No Sweat, Blues From the Heart Volume II (various artists)

Steele, Buck: harmonica/vocals(?).  Played with Buck ‘N’ The System.

Steiger, Rick: baritone saxophone.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Motor City Street Band- Sun Street Boogie

Steinacker, Mark Q.: alto and tenot saxophone.  Began play the saxophone at age eleven.  His father played upright jazz bass and his motherwas a church organist.  Played with BlueZone.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) BlueZone-BlueZone

Stel, Rick: guitar/vocals/bass/piano/Hammond B-3.  Played with Detroit Blues Band, Mystery Train.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Willie D. Warren & Mystery Train-LIVE, Mystery Train-Uncut Detroit II, Detroit Blues Band-Can’t Get You Off My Mind, Mystery Train-Love Lost, Blues From The Heart (various artists)

Steve, Redford: guitar/slide guitar/bass/vocals. Recordings include contributions to (LP) Detroit Blues Factory Vol. 1 (various artists).

Stevens, Mick: drums.  Recording include contributions to (CD) Randy Volin & The Sonic Blues-Used Guitars

Stevens, Mike: harmonica. Recordings include contributions to (CS) Robert Jones with Mike Stevens-Blues

Stevenson, Paul: trumpet.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Chicago Pete-The Blues is Alright

Stewart, Colin: electric bass.  Played with The Old Chicago Blues Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Chicago Pete-The Blues is Alright

Storm, Corey: guitar.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Blue Rose-Rock Me Low

Storm, Lè Lè: vocalist.  Played with the In The Pocket Band

Strain, Craig: trumpet/flugel horn.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Joce’lyn B-Bitch a da Blues

Stricktein, Ira: bass.  Lived in Texas and then in Detroit where he played with BlueZone.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) BlueZone-BlueZone

Struyk, Peter: drums.  Played with Big Dave and the Unltasonics.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Big Dave and the Ultrasonics-No Sweat, Blues From the Heart Volume II (various artists)

Stuart, Charles: drums.  Played with the City Limits Blues Band; recordings include contributions to (CD) City Limits Blues Band-So Many Roads

Stubbs, Joe: vocals.  Born and raised in Detroit.  An original member of the Motown group The Falcons.  Their big hit was You’re So Fine.  His older brother Levi sang with the Four Tops.  Jackie Wilson was a first cousin.  Died in Detroit at home on January 19, 1998.

Stutso, Mike “The Hammer”: drums/vocals.  Played with The Witch Doctors.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Witch Doctors-Barroom Science

Sugg, James Douglas: guitar/vocals.  Born March 9, 1886, MS.  Died: Jefferson Township, MI.  Buried: Coulters Chapel Cemetery, Cass County, MI.  Reference:  Harris, p.448

Suhy, Tony: bass/vocals.  Played with “Boat Gig” Brigade.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Bugs Beddow Band-3D Blues, Blues From The Heart (various artists)

Summerville Slim: vocals/harmonica.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Kenny Parker-Raise The Dead

Sumter, Curtis: drums/vocals.  Played with The Curtis Sumter Project and John Watkins and the Assassins.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Curtis Sumter Project-Trials and Tribulation.

Sunny Girl, (see Colleen Crongeyer)

Sutton, Chris: saxophone.  Played with Steve Somers Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Steve Somers Band with Valerie Barrymore-Blue Condition

Swain, David: baritone saxophone.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) George Bedard and the Kingpins-Hip Deep, George Bedard and the Kingpins-Upside!

Sweet Willie Tea, (a.k.a. William Toll) guitar/vocals/drums/harmonica. Born January 4, 1967 in Flint, MI. Canada South Blues Society 2010 Blues Challenge solo winner, Detroit Blues Society 2012 and 2014 Blues Challenge winner. 2011 & 2013 Memphis International Blues Challenge semi-finalist. In the 1980's released one recording (CS) with the punk rock band "Toll". In the 90's his band "Cidy Zoo" released (CD) "Something for Everyone" included the single "Talk Louder", the classical crossover instrumental "25 Strings", and "Buick City Blues". All three received airplay. "Talk Louder" charted at #15 on the AAA charts. Background in Second City style improv theatre as both a director and performer. Released (CD) Unsweetened - No Lemon as a one-man-band, (CD) Down on the Floor with The Tea Bones. www.sweetwillietea.com

Sykes, Roosevelt: vocals/piano.  Born January 31, 1906 Elmar, Arkansas.  Played at the Ann Arbor, Michigan club The Blind Pig and recorded an album for the bar’s new record company.  Performed at the 1973 Ann Arbor Blues & Jazz Festival and the recording was released on (CD) Ann Arbor Blues & Jazz Festival, Volume 3: “Grind It!” Roosevelt Sykes & Victoria Spivey

Szymanski, Andy: keyboards.  Played with the Kenny Parker Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) The Butler Twins-The Butler’s Boogie, The Butler Twins Blues Band-Uncut Detroit II, Blues at Midnight-Live at the Attic (various artists), the Hastings Street Blues Band-Down on Hastings Street

Szymanski, Walt: trumpet.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) Johnnie Bassett & The Blues Insurgents-Live at the Montreux-Detroit Jazz Festival

 

T-U-V

Tapp, Roger: bass guitar/harmonica/vocals.  Played with the Butler Twins Blues Band, Square Business Blues Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) The Butler Twins-The Butler’s Boogie, Live at the Attic, The Butler Twins Blues Band-Uncut Detroit II, Live at Lou’s (various artists)

Tate, Connie: vocals.  Played with the Hastings Street Blues Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) the Hastings Street Blues Band-Down on Hastings Street

Tate, Jim: vocals/harmonica.  Played with The Witch Doctors.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Witch Doctors-Barroom Science

Taylor, David “Pork Chop”: drums/percussion.  Played with City Limits Blues Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Bon Temps Roulle-Swaggy Dog, Blues From the Heart (various Artists)

Taylor, Floyd: piano.  Arrived Detroit 1918.  Reference: Cohassey, Detroit Blues, Vol.3, No.1, p.12

Taylor, Greg “Fingers”: harmonica.  Played with the Blue Suit Blues Band.

Taylor, Montana: piano.  Lived and played in pre-WWII Detroit

Ted, “Tampa” (a.k.a.: Ted Barrie): guitar. He was a member of the Conner Creek Blues Band from late 1960’s into the 1970’s.  He moved to Tampa, Florida and played there until returning to Detroit in 1980.  He formed the band Tampa Ted and the Blue Knights in 1998.  That band dissolved in 2005.  He also performed with The Chris Canas Blues Revolution during 2004 and 2005 and has worked with a long list of Detroit blues men.  Recordings include the CD: Tampa Ted and the Blue Knight-The Blues…Cover to Cover.

Teno, Ron “Doc”: drums/vocals.  Began playing in 1965 and helped form band called The Fragments.  In 1993 helped form band called Fat Belly Brown along with Tony Denardo and Daniel Methric.  Joined the Detroit Underground Band in May 1997.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs): Detroit Underground Band-Live, Detroit Underground Band-Colorblind

Tessier, Randy: bass/vocals.  Played with George Bedard and the Kingpins.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) George Bedard and the Kingpins-Triple Crown, Blues From the Heart Volume II (various artists), George Bedard and the Kingpins-Hip Deep, George Bedard and the Kingpins-Upside!

Thayrone (a.k.a.: Terry Hughes/Thayrone X): guitar/vocals/WEMU DJ.  Born August 16th.  Founded The Witch Doctors band.   Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Witch Doctors-Barroom Science

Thibodeau, Mark: vocals/piano/organ.  Played with Mudpuppy.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Mudpuppy-White Bread & Hot Sauce, Mudpuppy-One Night Only, Uncut Detroit: Live Blues in the Night (various Artists)

Thibodeau, Matt: guitar.  Played with the Pete Fetters Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Thunderbird Wine.

Thompson, Mary (see Mary Luckey)

Thompson, Tammy: vocalist.  Played with Stoney Mazar and the Westsiders.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Stoney Mazar & The Westsiders-Motor City Blues, Stoney Mazar & The Westsiders

Thunder, Terry: drums/percussion/vocals.  Played with Sun Messengers, Motor City Street Band, James Glass Get to Getting’ Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) BB Queen-Everybody’s Favorite Qualified and Able, Motor City Street Band- Sun Street Boogie, Live at Lou’s (various artists)

Thurman, Bob: piano.  Backed John Lee Hooker 1952-54 Detroit recordings It’s My Own Fault (Chess single 1526), Big Fine Woman (originally Hi-Q single 5018/also released on Fortune LP 3002 and on Chess), Tell Me Baby (originally Fortune single 853 as “Love You Baby” and released on Chess)

Tino (see Martin Gross)

Toccoa, Pete: drums.  Played with Blues Life, Harmonica Shah Blues Band, Sweet Claudette and the SC Band.  Recorded with Willie D. Warren.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) Sweet Claudette-Ain’t Gonna Wash Your Dirty Clothes

Toll, William (see Sweet Willie Tea)

Toombs, Isaac Jr. (aka Sax Kari, Ira Green, Texas Red, Dirty Red Morgan, and Candy Yams). Multi-instrumentalist, bandleader, songwriter, record producer, A&R man and promoter. Born in Chicago Feb. 6, 1920. Career began at age 9 and spanned decades. Had 18-piece touring band, and settled in Detroit around 1945. Recorded for Imperial Records, Apollo Records, and small independent labels. His biggest hit came in 1953 with "Daughter (That's Your Red Wagon),” which reached No. 8 on the Billboard R&B chart. It featured singer Gloria Irving. Kari also recorded novelty songs such as "Chocolate Fizz" and "Goldie the Green-Eyed Octopus." He produced artists including Della Reese and The Falcons and worked with promoter Don Robey (Peacock Records, Duke Records) and musician/producer Allen Touissaint. Died Oct. 1, 2009 in Florida at age 89.

Trajano, Alex: percussion.  Played with Black Beauty.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Black Beauty-SeÔor Smoke

Trammell, Raymond: drums.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Bugs Beddow Band-3D Blues

Tucker, Stewart: drums.  Played with Square Business Blues Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Live at Lou’s (various artists)

Tucker, Tim: bass/vocals.  Performed with Nikki James & the The Flamethrowers.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Nikki James & The Flamethrowers-Cleanin’ House, Uncut Detroit: Live Blues in the Night (various Artists)

Tupelo Slim: piano.  Came from Mississippi.  Played in Detroit beginning in the 1920s.  Reference: Cohassey, Detroit Blues, Vol.3, No1, p.12

Turner, Chris: guitar/vocals.  Performed with The Family

Turner, Don: electric & stand-up bass/vocals.  Played with The Boogie Men, The Bugs Beddow band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Boogie Men-Released for Production (4 track demo), Bugs Beddow Band ‘Bone Appetit tour-Live at the 1997 Mid-Michigan Blues Festival

Turner, Tom: vocals/guitar. Played with Blue Metro.

Tussing III, Rollie: vocals/ various acoustic, steel and electric guitars.  Co-host of radio show “Yazoo City Calling” along with Jerry Mack.   Recordings include contributions to (CDs) The Terraplanes-Well Tuned, Rollie Tussing III-Blow Whistle Blow, Motor Town Music Festival-1999 (various artists), Jo Serraphere-My Blue Heaven

Twiss, Tim: bass. Played with the NoteBenders, The Martindales.  Recordings include (CD) The Martindales-The Martindales

Tye, Robert: guitar/banjo.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Bon Temps Roulle-Swaggy Dog

Uricek, Dave: guitar. Played with The Corruptors.

Valentino, Tony “Godfather of the Blues”: vocals/acoustic guitar.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Tony Valentino-People I Got ‘em Bad

Valeery, Joe: A.k.a.: Little Joe Blue

Valice, Dave: guitar/guitar synthesizer. Played with The Boogie Men.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Boogie Men-Released for Production (4 track demo)

Varilone, Jeff: drums.  Played with Stoney Mazar and the Westsiders.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Stoney Mazar & The Westsiders-Motor City Blues, Stoney Mazar & The Westsiders

Varner, Virgil: guitar/vocals.  Played with the Emotions, backed Motown stars, and the Diamond Dukes.  A native of Alabama, he was the 16th of 17 children.  His father played guitar.  The family moved to Arkon, Ohio and he joined a band.  He then moved to Chicago, Los Angeles and then Detroit.

Varty, Doug: guitar/keyboards/harmonica.  Played with The Old Chicago Blues Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Chicago Pete-The Blues is Alright

Vaughn, Maurice John: guitar.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Hastings Street Grease-Volume 1 (various artists), Hastings Street Grease-Volume 2 (various artists)

Vaughan, “Wildman” Steve:

Vehill, Billy Ray: bass.  Played with James Glass and the Get to Getting’ Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) James Glass and the Get to Getting Band-Get This and (LP) Detroit Blues Factory Vol. 1 (various artists), Detroit Blues Factory Vol. 1 (various artists), Live at Lou’s (various artists).

Veloz, Joe: bass.  Played with the City Limits Blues Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) City Limits Blues Band-So Many Roads

Venney, Kevin: drums.  Resides in Windsor.  Performed in Detroit and with national acts

Ventro, Val: guitar/vocals.  Played with Val Ventro & The Motor City V-8.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Val Ventro & The Motor City V-8 Live at Memphis Smoke

Venugopal, Ravi: keyboards.  Played with The Martindales.  Recordings include (CD) The Martindales-The Martindales

Versellie, Tim: vocals/harmonica.  Played with The Blue Suit Blues Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Blues From The Heart (various artists)

Volin, Randy: guitar/vocals/percussion/harmonica/bass.  Born in late 1950’s, Detroit, MI.  Grew up in Oak Park & Farmington, MI.  Began performing in 1972.  Played with The Look and Randy Volin & The Sonic Blues.  The Look toured the U.S. and released four A&M label albums.  His passion for vintage guitars led him to open Rockin’ Daddy’s guitar shop in Lake Orion, MI.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Randy Volin & The Sonic Blues-Used Guitars, Randy Volin and The Sonic Blues-Waking Up With Wood

 

W

Wachtel, Roy: vocals.  Played with the MillionAires.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The MillionAires-Keep a Dollar in your Pocket, Al Hill & the Love Butlers-Willie Mae, The Curtis Sumter Project-Trials and Tribulation.

Wade, Shannon: bass.

Wagner, Tom (Tommy) “T-Bone”: drums; played with the Detroit Blues Band; recordings include contributions to (CD) Blues From The Heart (various artists), Detroit Blues Band-Real Life, Detroit Blues Band-Playin’ It Cool

Wiseman, Jake: guitar/vocals.  Played with the Demolition Blues Band.

Wallace, Beulah “Sippie” (a.k.a.: Sippie Thomas): vocals/organ/piano.  Born November 1, 1989, TX.  Moved to Detroit in 1929.  Later turned to gospel and worked primarily as organist and singer with Leland Baptist Church into 1970s.  Returned to the blues and appeared at the 1972 Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival.  Recorded with Detroit labels Fine Arts and Spivey.  Died: November 1, 1986, Detroit, MI.  Buried: Trinity Cemetery, Detroit, MI.  References: Harris, pp.531-533; John Cohassey, Big City Blues, Dec1999-Jan 2000, pp26-27.

Wallace, Ronald: drums.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Joce’lyn B-Bitch a da Blues

Wallace, Sippie (see Beulah Wallace)

Walton, James: Recordings include contributions to (CD) A Fortune of Blues-Vol. 2 (various Artists).  Detroit recordings released by Fortune Records include Miss Jesse James, Leaving Blues

Ward, Ray: vocals.  He is a native of Yipsilanti, Michigan.  Played with BlueZone.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) BlueZone-BlueZone

Warner, Barry: keyboards.  Played with Motor City Bluez Project.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Live at Lou’s

Warren, Robert Henry “Baby Boy” (a.k.a.: Johnny Williams): guitar/harmonica/vocals.  Born August 13, 1919, LA.  Moved to Detroit in 1942.  Recorded about ten 78s during late 1940s into early 1950s.  Known for Sanafee and Baby Boy Blues.  His recordings include the songs Don’t Want No Skinny Woman and Lonesome Cabin Blues.  He recorded in Detroit and released songs on Staff, JVB and Cadet Records.   Other recordings included on contributions to (CD) Please Mr. Foreman: Motor City Blues at the Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival 1973.  Died July 1, 1977 at the age of 57 in Detroit, MI.  Buried: Detroit Memorial Park Cemetery.  References: Harris, pp. 534-535 and Johathan Varjabedian, D.O. in Detroit Blues, Summer 1995, pp.16-17.

Warren, Willie D.: 12 string guitar/vocals. Born Stamps, Arkansas 11 Sept 1924.  Moved to Detroit in 1975.  Some credit him with the innovation of the electric bass guitar.  Played with Guitar Slim, David “Honey Boy” Edwards, Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy and numerous others. Recordings include contributions to (CD) Willie D. Warren & Mystery Train-LIVE, Hastings Street Grease-Volume 1 (various artists), Hastings Street Grease-Volume 2 (various artists), Blues at Midnight-Live at the Attic (various artists), Blues From the Heart Volume II (various artists) and (LP) Detroit Blues Factory Vol. 1 (various artists).   He was awarded the Detroit Blues Society Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997.  Died: December 30, 2000, Detroit, MI.

Washboard Willie (a.k.a.: William Paden Hensley): drums/washboard.  Born: July 24, 1909, Alabama.  He moved to Detroit in 1945.  Recorded on Detroit labels JVB and Von.  Worked as Washboard Willie & His Super Suds of Rhythm.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Please Mr. Foreman: Motor City Blues at the Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival 1973.  Died: August 24, 1991, Detroit, MI.  Buried: Detroit Memorial Park, Warren, MI.  Reference: Harris, pp. 225-226

Washington, Dinah: vocals/piano.  Born: August 29, 1924, AL.  Died: December 14, 1963, Detroit, MI.  Buried: Illinois.  Reference: Harris, pp. 536-538

Washington, Paul: guitar/vocals.  Played with the Hastings Street Blues Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) the Hastings Street Blues Band-Down on Hastings Street, Uncut Detroit: Live Blues in the Night (various Artists)

Watchel, Roy: baritone saxophone.  Played with The MillionAires; recordings include contributions to (CD) Bon Temps Roulle-Swaggy Dog, The MillionAires-Keep a Dollar in Your Pocket

Watkin, James: piano.  Recorded with John Lee Hooker in late 1940’s.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) John Lee Hooker-Detroit 1948-1949

Watkins, John: Played in Detroit as John Watkins and the Assassins.  He grew up in Chicago and had lived in Paris and Chicago before moving to Detroit by 1995.  He released an LP in 1984 on French Blues Phoenix label titled Here I Am.  Released The New Bloodhound on Alligator Records.  Reference: Detroit Blues, Spring 1995, p17.

Watkins, Lenny: vocals.  Played with the Bobby Murray Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Bobby Murray-Waiting For Mr. Goodfingers

Watson, Dave: drums/percussion. Played with The Corruptors.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) Pete “Big Dog” Fetters-Milkbone Underwear

Weaver, Joe: vocalist.  Fronted Joe Weaver and the Blue Notes with Johnnie Bassett on guitar, Jesse Ullmer on saxophone and Calvin Andrews on drums.  Had a hit on Deluxe Records titled 15-40 Special.  His Blues Notes became the house band for Fortune Records.  Also recorded on the Jaguar label and backed sessions on Chess and Motown.  Retired for 31 years and returned circa 1997.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) A Fortune of Blues-Vol. 1 (various Artists), Joe Weaver and His New Blue Note Orchestra-Baby I Love You So and (LP) Itty Bitty Treasure Chest (various artists-Regency label-issued 1957), Joe Weaver & His Bluenote Orchestra-Baby I Love You So (Regency label-issued 1955), A Fortune of Blues (Regency label-issued 1954).  Detroit recordings released by Fortune Records include I’m On My Way.  References: Cohassey, Detroit Blues, Vol. 3, No.1, p16; George Seedorf, Big City Blues, Oct-Nov 2000, p 19; Living Blues, #160, December 2001, pp. 31-38

Weber, Bob (a.k.a.: Roosevelt Palmer): valve trombone.  Worked with the Regular Boys.  Recordings include (CD) Regular Boys-Right From Wrong, Mudpuppy-White Bread & Hot Sauce

Welch, Rich: bass. Recordings include contributions to (LP) Detroit Blues Factory Vol. 1 (various artists)

Weldon, Will (a.k.a.: Casey Bill Weldon/Kansas City Bill/Levee Joe): vocals/guitar.  Born: July 10, 1909, AR.  Reportedly lived in Detroit from late 1940s into the 1960s.  Was married to Memphis Minnie.  Reference: Harris, p.547

Welk, Kenny: harmonica.  He played with Steve Gornall & The Blue Collar Blues Band. Recordings include contributions to (CD) Willie D. Warren & Mystery Train-LIVE, Mystery Train-Uncut Detroit II, Steve Gornall & The Blue Collar Blues Band, Mystery Train-Love Lost.

West, Billy: drums.  Played with Redford Steve Band

Wheaton, David L.: bass.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Pratt Brothers-If You Didn’t Know

White, Bill: bass/vocals.  He jammed with Jimi Hendrix.  He was an original member of the Amboy Dukes with Ted Nugent.  He played in Detroit with the Diamond Dukes.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Diamond Dukes.

White, Bob (a.k.a.: Detroit Count): piano.  Moved to Detroit in 1938. Worked and recorded in Detroit in late 1940’s.  Recordings include the (78 rpm JVB single) Hastings Street Opera.  Reference: Cohassey, Detroit Blues, Vol.3, No.1, p.15

White, Bob (Bobby): drums.  Played with the Hastings Street Blues Band.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) the Hastings Street Blues Band-Down on Hastings Street, Uncut Detroit: Live Blues in the Night (various Artists).

White, Brian (see Roscoe)

White, Dr. Danny: tenor saxophone.  Worked with the Regular Boys.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Regular Boys-Right From Wrong, Mystery Train-Love Lost

White, Uncle Jessie: piano/harmonica/vocals.  Born: September 24, 1920, Terry, Mississippi.  He moved to Detroit in the early 1950’s.  He played with his band, Uncle Jesse White & the 29th Street Band, for over 20 years at the Attic Bar in Hamtramck, MI.  His home at 3552 29th Street was a focal point for Detroit blues men & women.  He was known for his unique piano style and an unusual home-made neck brace to support his harmonica and microphone.  He was awarded the Detroit Blues Society Lifetime Achievement award in 1996.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Hastings Street Grease-Volume 2 (various artists), Harmonica Shah-Motor City Mojo, Uncle Jessie White & The 29th Street Band, Blues From The Heart (various artists), Blues From the Heart Volume II (various artists), Blues at Midnight-Live at the Attic (various artists).  Uncle Jessie White passed from this earth on the 29th of January 2008 and was laid to rest on February 6th at the Forest Lawn Cemetery, Detroit, MI.

White, Josh, Jr.: guitar/vocals/composer/educator.   His father was Josh White.  Moved to Detroit in 1976.   Recordings include contributions to (CD) Josh White Jr.-In Tribute to Josh White-House of the Rising Sun

Whitehead, Tom: drums.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Uncle Jessie White & The 29th Street Band, Blues From the Heart Volume II (various artists).  Backed John Lee Hooker on the 1952 Detroit recording Women and Money (originally Chess single 1526)

Whitall, Robert Jr.: publisher/photographer/feature writer.  Co-founded and published Detroit Blues magazine and created and published Big City Blues magazines. 

Whyte, Don: played with Little Sonny and the Detroit Rhythm Group.

Wickstrom, Andy: trumpet.  Played with The MillionAires.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The MillionAires-Keep a Dollar in Your Pocket

Willett, Robert “Bob”: guitar.  Played with the Butler Brothers Blues Band, Bob Willett & the Blues Devils.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) Bob Willett & The Blues Devils-Messin’ With Your Mind

Williams, Andre “Bacon Fat” (a.k.a.: Mr. Rhythm).  Born around 1936 in Chicago.  Moved to Detroit in the early 1950s.  Recorded with The Five Dollars, Don Juans, and Joe Weaver Combo on the Fortune Records label in Detroit.  Known for the song he wrote titled How to do the Bacon Fat.  Reference: Harris, p.562

Williams, Bob: guitar.  Played with TC & the Roadmasters.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) TC & the Roadmasters-Undercover Blues

Williams, Emery (see Detroit Junior)

Williams, Johnny (see Robert Henry “Baby Boy” Warren)

Williams, Lamont: drums.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Bobby Murray-Waiting For Mr. Goodfingers

Willie, Pinetop: piano.  Lived and played in pre-WWII Detroit

Willie, “Washboard”: recordings include contributions to (CD) Please Mr. Foreman: Motor City Blues at the Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival 1973

Willis, Aaron (a.k.a.: “Little Sonny”): harmonica/vocals/guitar.  Born 1932, Greensboro, AL. Moved to Detroit briefly in 1947 and then stayed in 1953 and within a year or so began working with Washboard Willie’s band at the Good Time Bar.  He also worked the Bank Bar, the Congo Lounge, the Kent Starlight Lounge, the Apex Bar and the Calumet Show Bar.  Recorded on Dike, Speedway, Revilot and Enterprise labels.  Billed himself as the “New King of the Blues Harmonica”.  Played with Little Sonny and the Detroit Rhythm Group.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Little Sunny-Blues With A Feeling (The Ann Arbor Blues & Jazz Festival).  Releases on Excello recording (45) Love Shock/I’ll Love You Baby and three (LP) albums on Enterprise (Stax) New King of the Blues Harmonica, Black & Blue and Hard Goin’ Up (1973).  In 1991 he released the album Sunny Side Up in on Glynn Records, his own label.  References: Harris, pp. 578-579; Detroit Blues, Vol.2, No.4, pp. 16-17

Willis, Aaron, Jr.: guitar.  His father is Little Sonny Willis. Played with Little Sonny and the Detroit Rhythm Group.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Little Sunny-Blues With A Feeling (The Ann Arbor Blues & Jazz Festival)

Willis, Angelo: bass guitar.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Uncle Jessie White & The 29th Street Band, Blues at Midnight-Live at the Attic (various artists), Blues From the Heart Volume II (various artists) and (LP) Detroit Blues Factory Vol. 1 (various artists).

Willis, Anthony: the son of Little Sonny Willis.  Played with Little Sonny and the Detroit Rhythm Group.

Willis, Harry: recordings include contributions to (CD) A Fortune of Blues-Vol. 1 (various Artists); Detroit recordings released by Fortune Records include Poker Playing Baby.

Wilson, Ben: piano/Hammond B-3.  Played with Big Dave and the Unltasonics.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Big Dave and the Ultrasonics-No Sweat, Blues From the Heart Volume II (various artists)

Wilson, Billy: bass/vocals.  Played with Joe Williams, James Cleveland, Martha Reeves, the Contours and Steve Somers Band.  President and founder of the “Motown Alumni Association”.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Steve Somers Band with Valerie Barrymore-Blue Condition, Steve Somers Band with Valerie Barrymore-Steve & Val

Wilson, Bob: piano/organ.  He recorded in the 60’s & 70’s for Ric Tic (Golden World) Records in Detroit and Sound Stage 7 Records in Nashville and worked as a studio musician, writer, arranger, record producer in Muscle Shoals.  He recorded with Fenton Robinson, Roscoe Robinson, Slim Harpo, Roscoe Shelton, Lattimore Brown, Ella Washington, Peggy Scott & Jo Jo Benson, Freddie King, Ester Phillips, ZZ Hill, Albert Collins, Joe Simon, Albert King, Willie Hobbs, Edwin Starr, Ann Sexton, Earl Gaines, Frogman Henry, Linda Ronsdadt and others.  In 1973 he played with Freddie King at the Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival.

Wilson, Bob: harmonica.  Played with Stoney Mazar and the Westsiders.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Stoney Mazar & The Westsiders-Motor City Blues, Stoney Mazar & The Westsiders

Wilson, Denny “Dr. D”: trumpet.  Played with the Diamond Dukes. 

Wilson, Lou: bass.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Harmonica Shah-Deep Detroit.  Played with The Harmonica Shah Blues Band

Wilson, Sam (a.k.a.: One String Sam): vocals/unitar (home-made one string fretless instrument).  Recorded in Detroit in early 1970’s.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Please Mr. Foreman: Motor City Blues at the Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival 1973.  Reference: Sinclair, 1994.

Witcher, Sam: guitar.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Little Sunny-Blues With A Feeling (The Ann Arbor Blues & Jazz Festival)

Woodward, Lyman: organ.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) George Bedard and the Kingpins-Hip Deep

Woods, Joe:

Wrencher, Big John Thomas (a.k.a.: One Arm John): vocals/harmonica.  Born: February 12, 1923, MS. Moved to Detroit in 1955.  Formed a trio.  Performed with Baby Boy Warren, Bald Head Bob and Little George Jackson.  He lost his left arm in an auto accident.  Died: July 15, 1977, MS.  Reference: Harris, pp. 589-591.   Reference: Detroit Blues, Summer 1995, p17.

Wright, Dan: guitar/vocals.  Played with Coyote Bone.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Dan Wright and Coyote Bone-Live at the Red Dog

Wylie, Buster (a.k.a.: Buster Wylie Patterson (Tatterson?)): bass.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Butler Twins-Not Gonna Worry About Tomorrow, The Butler Twins Blues Band-Pursue Your Dreams, Buster Wylie-Me and the Blues

 

X-Y-Z

Yoakum, Chuck: harmonica.  He appears along with Uncle Jessie White, Angelo Willis, Tommy Whitehead and Mississippi Al in one of the large historic photos at the Attic Bar in Hamtramck, MI.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Blues at Midnight-Live at the Attic (various artists), Blues From the Heart Volume II (various artists)

Young, Emanuel: guitar/vocals.  He began on the guitar in the 1950sand played with John Lee Hooker, Martha Reeves, Jimmy Reed, Albert King and Mr. Bo.  He ran the “blues” night at Cooley’s Lounge on Detroit far east side from 1978 until it closed in 2005.  Recordings include contributions to (CDs) Hastings Street Grease-Volume 1 (various artists), Hastings Street Grease-Volume 2 (various artists), Harmonica Shah-Motor City Mojo; Emanuel Young with Howard Glazer and the EL34s-Live In Detroit.  Reference: Personal communication from Howard Glazer.

Zimnickas, Jeff “Dr. Z”: bass/harmonica/vocalist.  Born in Detroit, MI on April 10, 1964.   Was a member of the groups Automatic Slim, 32:20 Blues Band and the Hardtailzs.  Also appeared in events with Jonathan Lane and “Little Mack” Collins.  Recordings include contributions to Eight Ball Blues and to the various artists CD Best of Heatstock ’03 (with the 32:20 Blues Band).  Reference: personal communication from Jeff Zimnickas. 

Zoom, (a.k.a.: Carol Lawrence): vocals.  Born and grew up in the Wayne/Romulus, Michigan area.  She is one of the many blues men and women encouraged by Uncle Jesse White.  Became full a time professional in 1988.  Toured Canada and Europe.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) Zoom-Big Daddy.  References: Blues Notes, Vol.5, No.11; Detroit Blues, Vol.2, No.3, p.23

 

Artist References

Blues Notes: the newsletter of the Detroit Blues Society.

Cohassey, John Fredrick.  Excepts from an unpublished manuscript, “Down on Hastings Street: A Study of Social and Cultural Changes in A Detroit Community 1941-1955”, Detroit Blues, Vol 3, No 1, pp. 10-18.

Cowley, John and Paul Oliver.  The New Blackwell Guide to Recorded Blues, Blackwell Publishers Ltd., Oxford UK, 1996.

Feld, David.  “A Conversation with the Erstwhile Minstrel Singer Howard Armstrong”, Blues Access, Fall ’98, pp. 51-53

Garrick, Tim. Detroit Blues, Spring 1996, pp.14-18, Detroit

Harris, Sheldon.  Blues Who’s Who, 1993, Da Capo Press, Inc., New York.

Healy, Timothy R.  Liner notes to (CD) T-R-H 8001, Vintage Toledo Blues 1950-1980.  This is a private label available from the compiler who can be contacted at: timrhman@aol.com

Kent, Don.  Liner notes to RCA (CD) 07863 66716-2, Big Maceo – The Victor/Bluebird Recordings, 1945-1947, 1997.

Lowry, Peter B.  Liner notes to Detroit After Hours Vol 1, (LP) Trix 3311, 1973 & (CD) 1995.

Rye, Howard.  Liner notes to Mississippi Blues & Gospel (Field Recordings) 1934-1942, released by Document Records (Austria) on (CD) DOCD-5320, issued 1995.

Sinclair, John. Liner notes to Please Mr. Foreman: Motor City Blues at the Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival 1973, Big Chief Productions - 1994, Schoolkids Records (CD) SKR 2101-2.

Spangler, R.J.  Detroit Blues, Winter 1995, pp.16-18, Detroit.

 

Detroit and Hastings Street References

Cohassey, John Fredrick.  Unpublished manuscript, “Down on Hastings Street: A Study of Social and Cultural Changes in A Detroit Community 1941-1955”, Wayne State University.

Living Blues, December, #169: this issue of the magazine includes five feature articles and numerous photos and captions featuring the Detroit blues past and present.

Lowry, Peter B.  Liner notes to “Detroit After Hours”, (CD) Vol 1, Trix 3311, 1995.

 
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Detroit Blues Society
 2006 Recipient for Best Blues Society

 

The Detroit Blues Society (DBS) is a registered federal 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, education, and advancement of the blues tradition, as it relates to the Metro-Detroit area. It has as its primary goals, to promote a wider appreciation for the Blues by the general public and to serve the members of the Society.