Big Maceo Merriweather facts for kids

Major Merriweather (born March 31, 1905 – died February 23, 1953) was an American musician. He was a talented pianist and singer who played blues music. People knew him best as Big Maceo Merriweather. He was very active in the music scene in Chicago during the 1940s.

The Musical Journey of Big Maceo Merriweather

Starting His Music Career

Big Maceo Merriweather was born in Newnan, Georgia. He taught himself how to play the piano. In the 1920s, he moved to Detroit, Michigan. This is where he began his journey as a professional musician.

In 1941, he moved to Chicago. There, he met another famous blues musician named Tampa Red. Tampa Red helped Big Maceo get a recording contract. He signed with RCA Victor and its special blues label, Bluebird Records.

His Famous Songs and Style

Big Maceo's first record was a song called "Worried Life Blues" in 1941. This song quickly became a big hit in the blues world. It was so popular that it became his signature song. The song used ideas from an older blues tune called "Someday, Baby."

He then recorded other classic piano blues songs. These included "Chicago Breakdown," "Texas Stomp," and "Detroit Jump." His piano playing style was unique. He learned from other great pianists like Leroy Carr and Roosevelt Sykes. He also used the fast, rhythmic boogie-woogie style of musicians like Meade Lux Lewis and Albert Ammons.

Leaving a Mark on Music

Big Maceo Merriweather had a huge impact on other musicians. Many blues pianists who came after him were influenced by his style. Musicians like Little Johnny Jones and Henry Gray learned from him. Henry Gray even said that Big Maceo helped him start his own career as a blues pianist.

His most famous song, "Worried Life Blues," is still a very important blues song today. Many artists, including Eric Clapton, still perform it often. This song was one of the first to be added to the Blues Hall of Fame. It was honored in the "Classic Blues Recordings – Singles or Album Tracks" group. Other famous songs like "Stormy Monday" and "Sweet Home Chicago" were also inducted.

Later Life and Legacy

Sadly, Big Maceo Merriweather had a stroke in 1946. He passed away from a heart attack on February 23, 1953, in Chicago. He was buried in the Detroit Memorial Cemetery in Warren, Michigan.

Years later, his recordings for RCA Victor/Bluebird were released as a special two-album set called Chicago Breakdown in 1975. His music has been re-released many times since then.

In 2002, Big Maceo was honored again. He was officially inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame after his death.

In 2008, a special event called the White Lake Blues Festival was held. This concert helped raise money to buy a headstone for Big Maceo's unmarked grave. Thanks to the efforts of many people, a headstone was placed in June 2008.

Big Maceo's Recorded Music

Big Maceo Merriweather released many recordings during his career and after his passing. Here are some of the albums that feature his music:

• Collection "Jazz Classics" No. 22 (RCA Victor, 1961)
• Black & White Vol. 9 (RCA, 1969)
• Big Maceo with Tampa Red in Chicago 1941–1946 (Sunflower, 1970)
• Chicago Breakdown (RCA, 1975)
• Bluebird No. 2: Big Maceo, vol. 1 (RCA, 1976)
• The Best of Big Maceo, vols. 1 and 2 (Arhoolie, 1984)
• Tampa Red/Big Maceo: Get It Cats! (Swingtime, 1989)
• The King of Chicago Blues Piano (Arhoolie, 1993)
• Worried Life Blues (Orbis, 1995)
• The Bluebird Recordings (RCA/Bluebird 1997)
• The Essential Recordings of Tampa Red and Big Maceo (Indigo, 1999)
• The Best of Big Maceo with Tampa Red (Blues Forever, 2001)
• Chicago Piano, vols. 1 and 2 (Fabulous, 2003)
• Complete Recorded Works in Chronological Order Volume, vols. 1 and 2 (Document, 2004)

See also

• List of blues musicians
• List of boogie woogie musicians
• List of Chicago blues musicians
• Music of Detroit