DETROIT BLUES MUSICIANS
Detroit, Michigan has been home to blues musicians since the early years of the twentieth century with the migrations 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 page. Notable among the early blues record labels in Detroit were Big D, Big Star (Bobo Jenkin’s label), Blues Boys, Diamond Jim Recording, Fortune, Gold Top, High-Q, J-V-B (Joe Von Battle), Modern, Prize, Sensation, Staff, Straight-8 and United Sound System. Listed below in summary 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 today. Where known, references are given so that the reader can learn more about these talented artists if there is a desire 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 reach them. Anyone who has comments, corrections or additions is invited to contact us at detroitblues@flash.net (please contribute). Wolfgang Spider
Adams, Alberta (aka: Roberta Louise Osborne) (vocals). Born: Jul. 26, 1920, IN. Moved to Detroit at age of three. Worked with Louie Jordan, Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson and Duke Ellington as well as many others. Recorded on the Detroit label United Sound Systems. Awarded the Detroit Blues Society Lifetime Achievement Award (1977). Reference: Detroit Blues, Vol. 2, No. 3, pp. 11-17.
Armstrong, Howard Louis "Louie Bluie". Awarded the Detroit Blues Society Lifetime Achievement Award in 1995.
Mr. B. (see Mark Braum)
B., Joce’lyn (vocals). Born: MO. Raised: Detroit. Reference: Detroit Blues, Vol. 2, No 3, pp.22-23.
Bassett, Johnnie (guitar/vocals). Born: Oct. 9, 1935, FL. Moved to Detroit in mid-1940’s. Honored with the Detroit Blues Society Lifetime Achievement Award (1994). Recorded on the Detroit label Fortune with Nolan Strong, the Diablos, Andre Williams and the Don Juans, the Five Dollars and Joe Weaver and the Blue Notes. In 1994 R. J. Spangler formed Johnnie Bassett and the Blues Insurgents featuring R. J. (drums), Keith Kaminski (saxophone) and Chris Codish (Organ/piano). References: Detroit Blues, Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 10-20; www:http//users.aol.com/insurgents
Beddow, Bugs (trombone).
Big Jack (see Marshall Reynolds).
Big Maceo (see Major Merriweather).
Big Momma Bev (see Beverly Hill).
Blackwell, Willie (aka: Willie B./Willie "61") (guitar/vocals). Recorded by Alan Lomax on Sadie Beck’s Plantation, Arkansas on July 16, 1942. By the mid-1960’s he was living in Detroit. Reference: Rye, 1995
Bogan, Theodore R. "Ted" (bass/ guitar). Born: May 10, 1910, SC. Died: Jan. 29, 1990, Detroit, MI. Buried: Lincoln Memorial Park, Mt. Clemens, MI. Reference: Harris, pp.56-57.
Boogie Woogie Red. (see Vernon Harrison)
Brim, John (guitar/harmonica). Born: Apr. 10, 1922, KY. Recorded for Detroit label Fortune. Worked with Big Maceo in Detroit in the 1950’s. Reference: Harris, pp. 66-67.
Braum, Mark (aka: Mr. B) (piano). He has recorded with John Hammond and Duke Robillard.
Brown, Honey (vocals). Working in Detroit in 1940’s. Reference: Choassey, Detroit Blues, Vol.3, No1
Brown, Olive ( aka: Olive Jefferson) (drums). Born: Aug. 30, 1913, St. Louis, MO. Came to Detroit as infant in 1913 and was raised there. Worked a series of clubs in Detroit beginning 1941. Moved to Chicago in 1943 and, in the 1960’s, to Canada. Retruned to Detroit in 1973. Recorded on JTP label. Died: May 9, 1982. Reference: Harris, pp. 83-84.
Burns, "Little" Eddie "Guitar" (aka: Big Ed/Slim Pickens/Swing Brother) (guitar/ vocals/harmonica). Born: Feb. 8, 1928, MS. He moved to Detroit in 1948. Recorded with DeLuxe and Harvey labels. Recorded with John Lee Hooker on the song "Real Folk Blues". Awarded the Detroit Blues Society Lifetime Achievement Award (1998). Reference: Harris, pp. 95-96.
Butler, George "Wild Child" (harmonica). Reference: Blues Notes, Vol. 5, No. 1.
Cannaday, "Little" Jr. (guitar/vocals). Arrived in Detroit in early 1950’s. Recorded on the Big Star label. Appeared at the 1973 Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival. References: Blue Notes, Vol. 4, No. 6; Sinclair, 1994.
Carson, Edward Arthur (aka: "Big Blues" Carlson) (vocals). Recorded on MRC, Fortune and Wheel City labels in Detroit during the sixties and early seventies. Reference: Healy, 1998.
Carter, Joe L. (vocals). Appeared at the 1973 Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival. Reference: Sinclair, 1994.
Coachman, "Famous" (former WDET radio personality)
Codish, Bob (guitar). Designed the Detroit Blues Society logo. Reference: Blues Notes, Vol. 5, No. 4.
Collins, Louis Bo (aka: Mr. Bo) (bass/guitar). Born: Apr. 7, 1932, MS. Recorded with Detroit labels Blues Boys, Big D and Gold Top. He moved to Detroit in 1950. Is the bother of Little Mack Collins. Featured a B.B. King guitar technique. Appeared at the 1973 Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival. In 1996 he was awarded the Detroit Lifetime Achievement Award. References: Harris, p. 127, Blues Notes, Vol. 5, No. 3; Sinclair, 1994.
Collins, McKindley "Little Mac" (guitar/bass). Born: Jun. 6, 1929-MS. Brother of Louis "Mr. Bo" Collins. Moved to Detroit in 1950. Appeared at the 1973 Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival with his band The Partymakers Incorporated. Died: Feb. 4, 1997-Detroit, MI. References: Cohassey, Detroit Blues, Vol3, No.1, p.54; Sinclair, 1994.
Crasie, Calvin. Born; Feb. 16, 1915. Recorded by the Library of Congress, Detroit 1938. Died: Sep. 23, 1972, Detroit MI. Buried: United Memorial Gardens, Plymouth, MI.
Dane, Barbara (guitar/piano). Born: May 12, 1927, Detroit, MI. She lived there until 1948. Reference: Harris, pp. 140-142.
Davenport, Charles Edwoard "Cow Cow" (piano). From Alabama. Often played in Detroit beginning in 1920’s but not a permanent resident. Reference: Cohassey, Detroit Blues, Vol 3, No. 1, p. 12; Lowry, 1973
Davis, Thornetta (vocals). Born: Detroit. Reference: Detroit Blues, Vol. 2, No 3, p.22.
Dawson, "Duke" Horace (drums). Reference: Blues Notes, Vol. 5, No. 6.
Debbauldt, Dennis (bass). Reference: Blues Notes, Vol. 5, No.9.
Detroit Jr. (aka: Emery H "Little Junior" Williams) (guitar/piano). Born: Oct. 6, 1932, AL. Moved to Flint, MI in the mid-1940’s and then to Chicago, IL after 1955. Reference: Harris, pp. 563-564.
Detroit Red (see Rufus Perryman)
Detroit Willie (harmonica). Appeared at the 1973 Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival. Reference: Sinclair, 1994.
Douglas, Lizzie "Minnie"/"Kid" (aka: Gospel Minnie/Minnie McCoy/Memphis Minnie/Texas Tessie) (vocals/guitar/banjo). Born: Jun. 3, 1897, LA. Lived and worked in Detroit for 3 years during the 1940’s. Died Aug. 6, 1973, TN. Reference: Harris, pp. 161-163.
Enzell, Will (piano). Played in Detroit beginning in 1920’s. Worked with Bessie Smith. Reference: Detroit Blues, Vol 3, No. 1, p. 12.
Everhart, Larry (harmonica). Reference: Blues Notes, Vol. No. 2.
Farris, Billy (guitar/bass). Reference: Blues Notes, Vol. 5, No. 5.
Finch, Otis (saxophone). Worked in Detroit with John Lee Hooker. Reference: Cohassey, Detroit Blues, Vol 3, No. 1, p14.
Franklin, Shirley (vocals). Reference: Detroit Blues, Vol. 2, No 3, p24.
Frazer, Calvin (vocals/guitar). Born at Osceola, Arkansas on September 16, 1915 and had played with Robert Johnson in the middle 1930’s. He moved to Detroit 1937. Alan Lomax recorded Frazer in Detroit on October 16, 1938. Frazier did the vocals and guitar and Sampson Pittman provided the second guitar on the song "Welfare Blues". He then recorded for Fortune and JVB labels. Worked with Baby Boy Warren’s band along with Washboard Willie. Died in Detroit in 1972. References: Cohassey, Detroit Blues, Vol 3, No 1, p. 15; Healy, 1998; Rye, 1995.
Frazer, Lonnie (vocals/guitar) and Clara Frazer (vocals). Alan Lomax recorded Lonnie and Clara Frazer in Detroit on October 15, 1938 doing the song "Oh Mary Don’t You Weep". Reference: Rye, 1995.
Gersch, Kurt (harmonica). References: Blues Notes, Vol. 5, No. 10.
Gornall, Steve (guitar). Formerly with the Blue Collar Blues Band. Moved to California about 1995.
Green, Violet (see Clara Smith)
Gunther, Arthur Neal (guitar/vocals). Born: May 23, 1926, TN. Died: Mar. 16, 1976, Port Huron, MI. Buried: Caswell Cemetery, Kimball, MI. Reference: Harris, p. 204.
Harrell, "Sweet" Claudette (vocals). References: Blues Notes, Vol. 2, No 2; Detroit Blues, Vol. 2, No 3, p.25.
Harris, Fred (piano/organ). Formed Red Tops Organ Trio with fellow Detroiter Lewis "Swing" Lee (drums) and Big Joe Burrell (saxophone) who was from Port Huron, Michigan. Reference: Healy, 1998.
Harris, Mimi (vocals). Raised in Grand Rapids, MI. To Detroit about 1976. Reference: Detroit Blues, Vol. 2, No 3, p20.
Harrison, Vernon (aka: Boogie Woogie Red) (piano/vocals). Born: Oct. 18, 1925, LA. Moved to Detroit 1927. Recorded on Detroit area labels JVB, Drummond, Excello, Blue Lake and Sampson with other groups. Recorded under his name on Decca Blind Pig labels in Detroit area. Worked with John Lee Hooker on his Detroit recordings. Died: Jul. 2, 1992, Detroit, MI. Buried: Lincoln Memorial Park, Mt. Clemens, MI. Reference: Harris, pp. 216-217.
Hemmingway, James (aka: Hemingway/Hemenway) (piano). From Georgia. Playing in Detroit in 1920’s. Reference: Cohassey, Detroit Blues, Vol 3, No. 1, p. 12.
Hensley, William Paden (aka: Washboard Willie) (drums/washboard). Born: Jul 24, 1909, AL. He moved to Detroit in 1945. Recorded on Detroit labels JVB and Von. Died: August 24, 1991, Detroit, MI. Buried: Detroit Memorial Park, Warren, Michigan. Reference: Harris, pp. 225-226.
Hicks, Otis V. (aka: Lightnin’ Slim) (guitar). Born: Mar. 13, 1913, MO. Moved to Detroit around 1962 and to Pontiac, MI in 1970. Died: Jul. 27, 1974, Detroit, MI. Buried: Oak Hill Cemetery, Pontiac, MI. Reference: Harris, pp. 227-228.
Hill, Beverly Jean "Bev" (aka "Big Mama Bev") (vocals). Born: Jan. 6, 1938, Birmingham, MI. Recorded with Tailgate Ramblers on Detroit label Jazzology. Died: Nov. 26, 1978, Detroit, MI. Reference: Harris, pp. 229-230.
Hooker, John Lee (aka: Birmingham Sam/Joh Lee Booker/Boogie Man/John Lee Cooker/Delta John/Johnny Lee/Texas Slim/Johnny Williams) (vocals/guitar/radio personality). Born: Aug. 22, 1917 (1920?), Clarksdale, MS. Moved to Detroit around 1943. Recorded on Modern, Gone, Chance, DeLuxe, Hi-Q, JVB, Specialty, Fortune and Riverside labels. In 1950’s recorded "Mad Man Blues and "Hey Boogie (aka: Boogie Now)" on JVB label. Reference: Harris, pp. 238-241.
Huff, Luther Henry (guitar/mandolin/ organ). Born: Dec. 5, 1910, MS. Died: Nov. 18, 1973, Detroit, MI. Lived in Detroit 1947 to 1950. Recorded on Detroit label Adelphi. Buried: Lincoln Memorial Park, Macomb County, MI. Reference: Harris, p. 252.
Hunter, Joe (piano). Recorded with John Lee Hooker on the hit "Boom, Boom" and with Eddie Burns. Performed with Hank Ballard and Aretha Franklin and authored the book "Musician, Motown and Myself".
Jackson, Little George. Working in Detroit in 1950’s. Reference: Harris, p.589.
James, Nikki (vocals). Born: Detroit. Returned to Detroit: 1985. Reference: Detroit Blues, Vol. 2, No 3, p24.
Jefferson, Olive. (see Olive Brown)
Jenkins, John Pickens "Bobo" (guitar/harmonica). Born: Jan. 7, 1916, AL. He moved to Detroit in 1974. Recorded on Fortune label and formed and recorded on his own label at Big Star Recording Studio. He recorded "Democrat Blues" in 1954. Radio personality on BLUES AFTER HOURS on WDET. He was a co-founder and past president (1975) of the Detroit Blues Club. Died Aug. 15, 1984, Detroit, MI. Buried: Detroit Memorial Park, Warren, Michigan. Reference: Harris, pp. 278-279.
Jones, Birmingham (aka: Wright Birmingham) (guitar/harmonica/saxophone). Born: Jan. 9, 1937, Saginaw, MI.
Jones, Johnny "Yard Dog" (aka: John Junior Jones) (vocals/harmonica). Born: Jun. 21, 1941, Crawfordsville, AK. Moved to Detroit in 1971, joined the Bo Bo Jenkins Band. Founding member of the Detroit Blues Club. Reference: Detroit Blues, Vol.2, No. 4, pp. 20-22.
Jones, Robert B. (vocals/guitar/harmonica/radio personality). Born: Detroit, 1956. Host of BLUES FROM THE LOWLANDS on WDET. Founding member of the Detroit Blues Society. Preserves the acoustic delta blues style, particularly demonstrates the influence of Son House. He is an ordained minister and is known as a musician, educator and a story teller.
Kane, Shari (guitar/vocals). Born: Detroit. Resided Ann Arbor since late 1970’s. Reference: Detroit Blues, Vol. 2, No 3, p20.
Kirkland, "Little" Eddie ( guitar/harmonica/vocals). Worked in Detroit with John Lee Hooker. Reference: Cohassey, Detroit Blues, Vol 3, No. 1, p14.
Lady Sunshine (vocals). Grew up in Arkansas. Arrived Detroit 1975. Reference: Detroit Blues, Vol. 2, No 3, p.22.
Lee, Darryl (bass). Reference: Blues Notes, Vol. 5, No. 8.
Lee, Lewis "Swing" (see Fred Harris).
Lightnin’ Slim (see Otis Hicks).
Little Maceo (see Bob Merriweather)
Little Sonny (see Aaron Willis)
Little Walter Jr. (see Walter Mitchell).
Louie Bluie (see Howard Armstrong)
Maceo Charles (piano). "Borrowed" his style from Big Maceo. Playing in Detroit late 1920’s. Reference: Cohassey, Detroit Blues, Vol 3, No. 1, p. 13
Martin, Carl (bass/ guitar/mandolin/violin). Born: Apr. 1, 1906, VA. Died May 10, 1979, Pontiac, MI. Buried: FL. Reference: Harris, pp. 348-349.
Mathews, Johnny Mae (vocals). She appeared at the 1973 Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival. Reference: Sinclair, 1994.
McCray, Juanita (vocals). Died: Jul. 10, 1996. Reference: Detroit Blues, Vol. 2, No 3, p.18.
McCray, Larry (guitar).
Merriweather, Major "Maceo" (aka: Big Maceo) (piano/vocals). Born: Mar. 13, 1905, GA. Moved to Detroit in 1924. Worked with John Brim in Detroit in 1950’s. Recorded at Detroit label Fortune. Moved to Chicago in 1941 and returned to Detroit after a stroke in 1946. Brother: Rozier "Bob" Merriweather (aka: "Little Maceo"). Died: Feb. 26, 1953, Chicago, IL. Buried: Detroit, MI. References: Harris, pp. 370-371; Kent (1997).
Merriweather, Bob Rozier "Little Maceo" (piano). Brother was Big Maceo. Reference: Cohassey, Detroit Blues, Vol 3, No. 1, p.13.
Miller, Jimmy (saxophone). Worked in Detroit with John Lee Hooker. Reference: Detroit Blues, Vol 3, No 1, p 14.
Mr. Bo (see Louis Collins).
Mitchell, Walter (aka: Little Walter Jr). Living in Detroit in mid-forties. Recorded on JVB label. Worked in Detroit with Robert Richard and L.C. Green. Moved to Toledo in mid-fifties. Reference: Healy, 1998.
Morningstar, "Smooth" Anjell (vocalist). Reference: Blues Notes, Vol. 4, No.10.
Murray, Bobby (guitar). Reference: Blues Notes, Vol. 5, No. 7.
Noll, Robert (guitar)
One Arm John (see Big John Wrencher)
One String Sam (see Sam Wilson).
Osborne, Roberta Louise. (see Alberta Adams)
Parks, Dave (guitar). Reference: Blues Notes, Vol. 4, No. 8.
Penn, Robert (vocals/guitar).
Perryman, Rufus G. (aka "Detroit Red"/"Speckled Red") (organ/piano). Born: Oct. 23, 1892, LA. He had moved to Detroit as a youth. He worked in Hampton, Georgia in the early 1920’s and returned to Detroit in 1927 and in 1941 moved to St. Louis, Missouri where he died on January 2, 1973. Reference: Cohassey, Detroit Blues, Vol. 3, No. 1, p. 12.
Pete, Chicago (vocals/bass).
Peterson, Kris (vocals). Reference: Detroit Blues, Vol. 2, N0 3, p25.
Phelps, Buddy. One man band.
Pittman, Sampson. Reference: Detroit Blues, Vol. ?, No. ?, p?.
Price, Kerry (piano). Born: Mar. 6, 1939, KY. She came to Detroit in 1960. Worked as public school music teacher , Detroit area. Performed at Bimbo’s, Ann Arbor, MI. Reference: Harris, pp. 421-422.
Price, Priscilla (vocals). Reference: Detroit Blues, Vol. 2, No 3, p25.
Queen, B.B. (vocals/guitar). Reference: Detroit Blues, Vol. 2, No 3, p24.
Reynolds, Marshall (aka: Big Jack). Lived with his family in Detroit in early sixties. Recorded on Mah’s, Hi-Q and Fortune labels. Reference: Healy, 1998.
Ross, Charles Isaiah "Doc" (aka: Doctor Ross the Harmonica Boss) (drums/guitar/harmonica/kazoo/percussion). Born: Oct. 21, 1925, MS. Recorded on Detroit labels Fortune and Hi-Q. Recorded on Flint labels DIR, Xtra and Testament. Often worked as a one-man band in Flint. He appeared at the 1973 Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival. Died May 28, 1993, Flint, MI. References: Harris, PP. 442-444; Sinclair, 1994.
Shaw, "Harmonica" (harmonica).
Smith, Clara (aka: Violet Green) (piano). Born: about 1894, SC. Died: Feb. 2, 1935, Detroit, MI. Buried: Lincoln Cemetery, Macomb County, MI. Reference: Harris, pp. 466-467.
Smith, Pine Top (piano). Played and lived in Detroit although not a permanent resident. Reference: Lowry, 1973.
Spand, Charlie (piano). Worked in Detroit in late 1920’s 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.
Speckled Red (see Rufus Perryman)
Spivey, Addie (aka: Hannah May/Sweet peas[e]) (vocals/piano). Born: Aug 22, 1910, TX. Died 1943, Detroit, MI. Sister of Victoria Spivey. Thought to have moved to Detroit in 1930’s. Reference: Harris, p. 480.
Suggs, James Douglas (guitar/vocals). Born: Mar. 9, 1886, MS. Died: Jefferson Township, MI. Buried: Coulters Chapel Cemetery, Cass County, MI. Reference: Harris, p.488.
Taylor, Floyd (piano). Arrived Detroit 1918. Reference: Cohassey, Detroit Blues, Vol 3, No. 1, p. 12.
Tupelo Slim (piano). Came from Mississippi. Played in Detroit beginning in 1920’s. Reference: Cohassey, Detroit Blues, Vol 3, No. 1, p. 12.
Wallace, Beulah "Sippie" (aka: Sippie Thomas) (vocals/organ/piano). Born: Nov. 1, 1898, TX. Moved to Detroit in 1929. Later turned to gospel and worked primarily as organist/singer with Leland Baptist church into 1970’s. Returned to the blues and appeared at the 1972 Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival. Recorded with Detroit labels Fine Arts and Spivey. Died: Nov.1, 1986, Detroit, MI. Buried: Trinity Cemetery, Detroit, MI. Reference: Harris, pp.531-533.
Warren, Robert Henry "Baby Boy" (aka: Johnny Williams) (guitar/harmonica/vocals). Born: Aug. 13, 1919, LA. Moved to Detroit in 1942. Recorded about ten 78’s during late 1940’s into early 1950’s. Died: July 1, 1977, Detroit, MI. Buried: Detroit Memorial Park Cemetery. Reference: Harris, pp. 534-535.
Warren, Willie D. (guitar). Honored with the Detroit Blues Society Lifetime Achievement Award (1997).
Washboard Willie. (see William Paden Hensley)
Washington, Dinah (vocals/piano). Born: Aug. 29, 1924, AL. Died: Dec. 14, 1963, Detroit, MI. Buried: IL. Reference: Harris, pp.536538.
Weldon, Will "Casey Bill"/"Kansas City Bill" (aka: Levee Joe) (vocals/guitar). Born: Jul. 10, 1909, AR. Reportedly lived in Detroit from late 1940’s into the 1960’s. Was married to Memphis Minnie. Reference: Harris, p. 547.
Weaver, Joe (piano). Formed Joe Weaver & the Blue Notes along with Johnnie Bassett (guitar), Jesse Ullmer (saxophone) and Calvin Andrews (drums). Reference: Cohassey, Detroit Blues, Vol. 3, No.1, p.16.
White, Bob "Detroit Count" (piano). Moved to Detroit 1938. Recorded on the JVB label in Detroit. Reference: Cohassey, Detroit Blues, Vol 3, No. 1, p. 15.
White, Bob (drums). Formed the Hastings Street Blues Band.
White, Uncle Jesse (vocals, piano, harmonica). Known for his unusual home-made neck brace to support his harmonica and microphone. Honored with the 1996 Detroit Blues Society Lifetime Achievement Award.
Williams, Andre "Bacon Fat"/"Mr. Rhythm". Born around 1936 in Chicago. Moved to Detroit in the early 1950’s. Recorded with The Five Dollars/Don Juans/Joe Weaver Combo on the Fortune label in Detroit. Known for the song he wrote "How to Do the Bacon Fat". Reference: Harris, p. 562.
Williams, Emery. (see Detroit Jr.)
Willis, Aaron Little Son (aka: Little Sonny) (vocals/guitar/harmonica). Moved to Detroit in 1954. Recorded on Duke, Speedway, Revilot and Enterprise labels. References: Harris, pp. 578-579; Detroit Blues, Vol. 2, No 4, pp 16-18.
Wilson, Sam (aka: One String Sam) (unitar/vocals). Used a home-made one string instrument. Appeared at the 1973 Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival. Reference: Sinclair, 1994.
Wrencher, "Big" John Thomas (aka: One-Armed John) (vocals/harmonica). Born: Feb. 12, 1923, MS. Moved to Detroit in 1955. Formed his own trio and worked with Baby Boy Warren and Little George Jackson. He had lost his left arm in an auto accident. Died: July 15, 1977, MS. Reference: Harris, p. 589-591.
"Zoom" (vocalist). Grew up in Wayne/Romulus, MI. References: Blues Notes, Vol. 5, No 11; Detroit Blues, Vol. 2, No 3, p. 23.
Artist References:
Blues Notes, 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.
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 Chill Productions - 1994, Schoolkids Records (CD) SKR 2101-2.
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.
Lowry, Peter B. Liner notes to "Detroit After Hours", (CD) Vol 1, Trix 3311, 1995.
Page last up dated: 09/27/98