|
Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZBOYD, Little Eddie(b Edward Riley Boyd, 25 Nov. '14, Stovall MS) Blues singer, pianist, songwriter; also played guitar, kazoo, organ; aka Ernie Boyd. Raised on a plantation; ran away from home at 15 after sticking a pitchfork in a foreman who was threatening him. Began playing early '30s. Formed Dixie Rhythm Boys '37 Memphis; to Chicago early '40s, playing with Johnny Shines trio, Muddy Waters (his cousin), others; recorded with Sonny Boy Williamson for RCA. When his first recordings failed he worked in a steel mill, saved money until he could produce his own: 'Five Long Years' was no. 1 R&B hit '52 on J.O.B., followed by hits '24 Hours', 'Third Degree' '53 on Chess. Own band at Flame Club '46--8, recorded for many labels, incl. Chess in '50s; wrote many songs. Toured Europe '65 (LP with Buddy Guy in London); toured Continent several times, with John Mayall's Bluesbreakers '67; made LP 7936 South Rhodes on Blue Horizon '68, settled in Paris. Recorded (often in concert) for Euro- labels Philips, Storyville, Blue Beat, etc. Legacy Of The Blues Vol. 10 '75 on GNP prod. by Sam Charters in Sweden with fine boogie band incl. Ed Thigpen on drums, Christer Eckland on tenor sax; 'Black Brown and White' is a sardonic, rocking commentary on the theme 'If you're white, you're all right; if you're brown, stick around; if you're black, get back.' Other albums: And His Blues Band with Peter Green on Cross Cut (Bear Family), Lovers' Playground on Stockholm; Live In Switzerland '68 on Storyville, Five Long Years on Evidence with Guy and Big Mama Thornton. |