Bman's Blues Report

Lovie Lee (March 17, 1909 – May 23, 1997) was an American electric blues pianist and singer. He is best known for his work accompanying Muddy Waters, although he did record a solo album in 1992. He was the 'adoptive stepfather' of fellow bluesman, Carey Bell, and thus 'grandfather' to Lurrie Bell. He was born Edward Lee Watson in Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States. Lee grew up in Meridian, Mississippi, and was self taught on the piano, utilising his skills in various churches, and playing at rodeos and vaudeville. He had already acquired his nickname, 'Lovie', from a doting aunt. He found part time employment playing with the Swinging Cats in the early 1950s. The outfit included Carey Bell, who Lee took under his 'fatherly' protection, and they jointly relocated to Chicago, Illinois in September 1956. Lee worked during the day in a woodworking factory, and for many years played in the evening in numerous Chicago blues nightclubs, including Porter'...

Carey Bell-voc/harmonica Louisiana Red-git Jimmy Rodgers-git Lovie Lee-piano Queen Sylvia Embry-bass Charles"Honey Boy"Otis-drums For a period of time in the ‘70s and ‘80s, it appeared that Queen Sylvia Embry was going to emerge as one of Chicago’s leading blues women. After she emerged from her role as bass player for Lefty Dizz and the Shock treatment in the late 1970s, she began fronting her own small band in South Side clubs and making guest appearances on the North Side circuit. Everywhere she went, her big smile, warm stage presence, rich gospel-rooted voice and solid bass playing won her new fans. There were (and are) only a few professional-quality instrumentalists among the city’s blues women, and only one other playing bass. “I played piano when I first started out as a kid,” Sylvia recalled, “and I got away from it because my grandmother was very strict. She demanded I play gospel, and I wanted to play a little boogie-woogie. I was crazy about Chuck Berry and Lloy...