Album Notes

RAY CHARLES: In 1949, while I was working in Jacksonville, Florida I began hearing stories about a great blind singer who had attended the school for the blind in St. Augustine. His name was Ray Charles. After returning to Miami, I was out one night at the Mary Elizabeth Hotel, an all black Hotel located in what is today known as Overtown, I met Ray Charles. He was in Miami working a few gigs and I suggested a recording session for him to pick up some extra bread. In 1951 I arranged for myself and Eddie Shaw, my engineer and shipping clerk, to take him to my recording studio on West Flagler Street where we recorded these tracks.

JOHN LEE HOOKER: Was born near Clarksdale, Miss. He recorded for Sensation Records in Detroit. Next he recorded for Modern Records where he had his million selling Boogie Chillen’. About 1953, while I was recording at the King recording studios in Cincinnati, I was having breakfast at the Mance Hotel when I met John Lee Hooker. Henry Glover, the King Records A&R man, introduced us. In our discussion about making records, he wanted to know if I was interested in recording some sides with him. Knowing his background as a great Blues guitarist and singer, I thought it would be a great idea. I took him to the King Studios and recorded quite a few sides, some of which are heard on this CD. They were originally released as single 45s on my Rockin’ label.

RED TAM: Came into my Miami studio in the mid-60s. He was a Blues singer from the south who sang and played guitar. I loved his Blues sound and recorded him with these tracks. In Red, White, and Blues you can hear the great Blues guitar licks that Red laid down. Red Tam Is A Lover brought out even more of his soulful Blues sound where his guitar and his vocals are backed up with female studio background singers that added that special 60s flavor that continues to sound good today.

DON HOLINGER: Was another great Blues singer from Miami who I recorded in the early 70s on my Dash label and I felt he should be included on this compilation. He is one of the most prolific Blues singers out of Miami. Willie Clarke had the unique opportunity to produce Don. Out of the projects of Overtown in Miami, Don Hollinger is number one in Blues Miami style.

PERCY WELCH: Was another great Blues singer that I recorded in my small upstairs Hialeah studio. He had a unique Blues novelty sound. His great guitar playing on the instrumental break is a stand out performance. This Back Door Man is a front row talent.

LEE “SHOT” WILLIAMS: Is a southern Blues style vocalist. He got the nickname “Shot” from his mother because he liked to dress up like a “big shot.” Born May 21, 1938 in Lexington, Miss., he moved to Detroit in 1954 and Chicago in 1958. He recorded on quite a few different labels over the years. Being a great Blues singer with a very soulful groove right from the heart, I thought he should be included in this Blues package taken from my Roots label.