Artie "Blues Boy" White facts for kids

Artie "Blues Boy" White (born April 16, 1937, died April 20, 2013) was an American singer and guitarist. He was famous for playing blues and soul music. Artie lived in Chicago and was a very important artist in Southern Soul music.

Life of Artie "Blues Boy" White

Artie White was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi. When he was a teenager, he started singing in a gospel group called the Harps of David. In 1956, he moved to Chicago. He kept singing gospel music with a group called the Full Gospel Wonders.

In the early 1960s, Artie decided to switch to blues music. He started performing in Chicago's blues clubs. He released a few songs on smaller record labels. In 1977, he had his biggest hit song, "(You Are My) Leanin' Tree." This song was written by Bob Jones and reached number 99 on the Billboard R&B chart.

Artie also owned and ran blues clubs in Chicago. First, he had Bootsy's Show Lounge, and later, the New Club Bootsy’s. He kept performing and recording music. In 1985, he released an album called Blues Boy. After this, people started calling him "Blues Boy" White.

In 1987, Artie joined the Ichiban record label. He recorded seven albums there. Some of these albums included more songs written by Bob Jones. On his 1989 album, Thangs Got to Change, he even worked with his musical hero, Little Milton.

In 1994, Artie signed with Waldoxy, a part of Malaco Records. He released the album Different Shades of Blue, which was nominated for an award. Some of his popular songs in the 1990s were "I’m Gonna Marry My Mother-In-Law" (1994) and "Your Man Is Home Tonight" (1997). He also released Back Home to Clarksdale: A Tribute to Muddy Waters in 1997 and Can We Get Together in 1999.

Artie White was known in Chicago for his exciting stage shows. He wore colorful costumes and had a big presence. He traveled around the world to perform. In 2000, he was a main performer at the Chicago Blues Festival. In 2001, he started his own record label, AChillTown, and released the album Can’t Get Enough.

Later in his life, Artie became ill. He had several health problems and often used a wheelchair. But he still performed sometimes. In 2008, he played at a concert to honor another famous blues musician, Buddy Guy.

Artie White passed away in 2013 from Parkinson's disease. He was 76 years old.

Artie White's Legacy

After Artie White passed away, the Artie “Blues Boy” White Youth Scholarship Foundation was created in Illinois. This foundation helps young people, up to age 21, who want to have a career in music. They offer guidance and support to these young musicians.

Discography

Albums

• Blues Boy (Ronn, 1985)
• Nothing Takes the Place of You (1987, Ichiban)
• Where It's At (1988, Ichiban)
• Thangs Got to Change (1989, Ichiban)
• Tired of Sneaking Around (1990, Ichiban)
• Dark End of the Street (1991, Ichiban )
• Hit & Run (1992, Ichiban)
• Different Shades of Blue (1994, Waldoxy)
• Back Home to Clarksdale: A Tribute to Muddy Waters (1997, Waldoxy)
• Home Tonight (1997, Waldoxy)
• Can We Get Together (1999, Waldoxy)
• Can't Get Enough (2002, AChillTown)
• American Roots: Blues (2002, P & S)
• First Thing Tuesday Morning (2004, Blues Boy)
• Package Deal (2006, AChillTown)