Similar Artists:
Otis Spann,
Johnny Jones,
Willie Mabon,
Henry Gray,
Eddie Boyd,
Boogie Woogie Red,
Pinetop Perkins,
Roosevelt Sykes,
Piano Red,
Champion Jack Dupree
Influenced By:
Followers:
Otis Spann,
Lovie Lee,
Mr. B,
Johnny Jones,
Johnnie Johnson,
Willie Mabon,
Henry Gray,
Eddie Boyd,
Boogie Woogie Red
Performed Songs By:
Worked With:
- Born: March 31, 1905, Atlanta, GA
- Died: February 26, 1953, Chicago, IL
- Active: '30s, '40s, '50s
- Genres: Blues
- Instrument: Vocals, Piano
- Representative Albums: "Victor/Bluebird Recordings 1945-1947," "The King of Chicago Blues Piano, Vols. 1-2," "Chicago Breakdown"
- Representative Songs: "Worried Life Blues," "Chicago Breakdown," "County Jail Blues"
Biography
The thundering 88s of Big Maceo Merriweather helped pave the way for the great Chicago blues pianists of the 1950s -- men like Johnny Jones, Otis Spann, and Henry Gray. Unfortunately, Merriweather wouldn't be around to enjoy their innovations -- he died a few years after suffering a debilitating stroke in 1946.Major Merriweather was already a seasoned pianist when he arrived in Detroit in 1924. After working around the Motor City scene, he ventured to Chicago in 1941 to make his recording debut for producer Lester Melrose and RCA Victor's Bluebird subsidiary. His first day in the studio produced 14 tracks -- six of his own and eight more as accompanist to renowned Chicago guitarist Tampa Red. One of his initial efforts, "Worried Life Blues," has passed into blues standard status (Chuck Berry was hip to it, covering it for Chess).
Merriweather remained Tampa Red's favorite pianistic accompanist after that, gigging extensively with him and Big Bill Broonzy on Chicago's South side. The pianist cut a series of terrific sessions as a leader for Bluebird in 1941-42 and 1945 (the latter including his tour de force, "Chicago Breakdown") before the stroke paralyzed his right side. He tried to overcome it, cutting for Victor in 1947 with Eddie Boyd assuming piano duties and again for Specialty in 1949 with Johnny Jones, this time at the stool. His health fading steadily after that, Merriweather died in 1953. ~ Bill Dahl, All Music Guide
