Blues Legend Junior Wells’ Estate Entrusted to Cleopatra Records

Los Angeles - The estate of Blues Harp Legend Junior Wells has been entrusted to L.A. based record label Cleopatra Records in a newly announced arrangement.  

The deal was made between Cleopatra owner Brian Perera, represented by the law offices of Evan S. Cohen, and executor Martin Salzman, on behalf of Junior Wells’ daughter Regina Brown and includes sound recordings as well as publishing from Wells’ wide ranging catalog between his first recordings in the 1950s until his death in 1998.  

In addition to the sound recordings and publishing which includes unreleased masters, Cleopatra also purchased a variety of personal artifacts from the Blues legend, including his harmonicas, performance outfits, hats, canes, notes, photos and  personal  journals.

“We’re very excited to enter into this deal and be a part of the one of the all time icons in American Blues history, “ said Perera.  “We intend to keep the Junior Wells legacy alive with a variety of releases as well as merchandise and branding partnerships in the years to come.” Look for releases from Junior Wells and other blues artists such as Eric Gales, Shuggie Otis, and Harvey Mandel on the newly launched Cleopatra Blues imprint.

Junior Wells, real name Amos Wells Blakemore Jr. (December 9, 1934 – January 15, 1998), was an American Chicago Blues vocalist, harmonica player and recording artist.  In addition to his many solo recordings on labels such as States, Chief, Profile, Delmark, Vanguard and Telarc, Wells was also known for his collaborations in  performances as well as recordings with artists such as Buddy Guy, Muddy Waters, Earl Hooker, Bonnie Raitt, Van Morrison and the Rolling Stones.

Junior Wells is a member of the Blues Hall of Fame.  His albums, Hoodoo Man Blues (1966), It’s My Life Baby (1966) and Blues Hit Big Town (1977), as well as his single “Messin’ With The Kid (1960),” are in the Blues Hall of Fames in the Classics of Blues Recording category.  He has also received several honors and awards from the Blues Hall of Fame including, Best Historical Album and Traditional Blues Album of the Year.