Andrew Odom facts for kids

Andrew Odom (born December 15, 1936 – died December 23, 1991) was an American blues singer and songwriter. He was born in Denham Springs, Louisiana, USA. Andrew Odom was famous because his singing sounded a lot like Bobby Bland and B.B. King. He made three albums during his life. He also performed often in Chicago and other places until he passed away.

Andrew Odom's Life and Music Career

Andrew Odom was born on December 15, 1936. His mother was Lula Odom. He learned to sing at his family's church. In 1955, he moved to East St. Louis, Illinois. There, he started working with musicians like Albert King and Johnny Williams. Later in the 1950s, he sang with Johnny O'Neal's band. Through O'Neal, he met Earl Hooker. Andrew Odom recorded and performed with Earl Hooker for many years.

Moving to Chicago and Early Recordings

In 1960, Andrew Odom moved to Chicago. This city became his home for the rest of his life. The next year, in 1961, he recorded a song called "East St. Louis." He recorded it with the Little Aaron Band for a small record company called Marlo Records. In 1967, another song by Odom, "Turn On Your Love Light," was released by Nation Records. This song was credited to Andre Odom.

Working with Earl Hooker

In 1968, Earl Hooker formed a new band. Andrew Odom was the singer in this band. Other members included Pinetop Perkins on piano and Carey Bell on harmonica. This band was very popular and considered one of the best Earl Hooker ever had. They performed in Chicago clubs and went on tour.

A famous blues musician named Buddy Guy suggested that Arhoolie Records record Hooker's new band. This led to the album 2 Bugs and a Roach. Another album by Earl Hooker, Don't Have to Worry (1969), also featured Andrew Odom's singing. Many people say these recordings were very good and are an important part of Earl Hooker's musical history.

Andrew Odom's first solo album was Farther On Down the Road. It was recorded in 1969 and released in 1973. On this album, he sang his own version of "Farther Up the Road." Earl Hooker played guitar on the album, and Johnny "Big Moose" Walker played keyboards.

Later Career and Albums

After Earl Hooker passed away in 1970, Andrew Odom worked with Jimmy Dawkins for about ten years. In 1971, Delmark Records released Dawkins's second album, All for Business. Andrew Odom sang on this album, and Otis Rush played guitar. In 1974, Wasp Records released a song called "I Got This Bad Feeling." This song was credited to B.B. Odom and the Earbenders.

In 1982, Andrew Odom recorded his second solo album, Feel So Good. He worked with Magic Slim and the Teardrops on this album. It was released by a French record company called Black & Blue Records. Later, in 1993, Evidence Music re-released it.

Andrew Odom's third album, Goin' to California, was released in 1991 by Flying Fish Records. This album was produced by Steve Freund and featured Steve Katz on guitar. Many people believe this album is Andrew Odom's best recorded work.

Andrew Odom's Passing

On December 23, 1991, Andrew Odom had a fatal heart attack. He was driving from the blues club Buddy Guy's Legends to his next show at the Checkerboard Lounge. He passed away at Cook County Hospital in Chicago.

Some of his music also appeared on a collection album called The Chicago Blues Box: The MCM Records Story.

Discography

Albums

As sideman

See also

• List of Chicago blues musicians