Professor Longhair
Henry Roeland Byrd (December 19, 1918 – January 30, 1980), also called Professor Longhair or “Fess,” was an American singer and pianist known for playing New Orleans blues. He was active during two separate times: first during the peak of early rhythm and blues, and later during the growing interest in traditional jazz after the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival began in 1970. His piano style is described as easy to recognize, blending elements of rumba, mambo, and calypso.
Guitar Slim
Eddie Jones (December 10, 1926 – February 7, 1959), also known as Guitar Slim, was an American guitarist who performed in the 1940s and 1950s. He is most famous for the song “The Things That I Used to Do,” which sold over a million copies for Specialty Records. This song is listed in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s collection of 500 songs that helped shape rock and roll.
Amos Milburn
Joseph Amos Milburn (April 1, 1927 – January 3, 1980) was an American singer and pianist who played rhythm and blues music. He was popular during the 1940s and 1950s. One commentator said, “Milburn was known for upbeat songs about drinking and having fun, filled with humor, clever wordplay, and simple, everyday images in his lyrics.”
Charles Brown
• Charlie Brown (singer) (born 1986), British singer • Charlie Brown (born 1970), American rapper and member of Leaders of the New School • Charles Brown (musician) (1922–1999), American blues singer • Charlie Brown Jr. (band), Brazilian rock band • Charlie Brown (DJ) (c. 1942 – 2022), American radio DJ • Charles Brockden Brown (1771–1810), American novelist • Charles D.
Jimmy McCracklin
James David Walker Jr. (August 13, 1921 – December 20, 2012), known as Jimmy McCracklin on stage, was an American pianist, singer, and songwriter. His music included styles such as West Coast blues, Jump blues, and R&B.
Percy Mayfield
Percy Mayfield was born on August 12, 1920, and died on August 11, 1984. He was an American rhythm and blues singer known for his gentle singing style. He also wrote songs, including “Please Send Me Someone to Love” and “Hit the Road Jack.” The song “Hit the Road Jack” was first recorded by Ray Charles.
Lowell Fulson
Lowell Fulson was born on March 31, 1921, and died on March 7, 1999. He was an American blues guitarist and songwriter who played in the West Coast blues tradition. Because of a contract, he sometimes recorded music under the names Lowell Fullsom and Lowell Fulsom.
Pee Wee Crayton
Connie Curtis Crayton (December 18, 1914 – June 25, 1985), also known as Pee Wee Crayton, was an American R&B and blues musician who played the guitar and sang songs.
Jay McShann
James Columbus “Jay” McShann (January 12, 1916 – December 7, 2006) was an American jazz pianist, vocalist, composer, and bandleader. He led musical groups in Kansas City, Missouri, which included Charlie Parker, Bernard Anderson, Walter Brown, and Ben Webster.
Joe Williams (jazz singer)
Joe Williams (also known as Joseph Goreed; born December 12, 1918; died March 29, 1999) was an American jazz singer. He performed with large musical groups, such as the Count Basie Orchestra and the Lionel Hampton Orchestra, as well as with small groups. He sang in two films featuring the Basie Orchestra and occasionally worked as an actor.