Boston Blackie (guitarist) facts for kids

Benjamin Joe "Bennie" Houston (born November 6, 1943 – died July 11, 1993) was a talented American musician. He was known by his stage name, Boston Blackie. He played the guitar and sang the blues, leading his own band. He was an important part of the Chicago blues music scene.

Bennie Houston was born in Panola, Sumter County, Alabama, in a part of the state called the Black Belt. He was the ninth of eleven children in his family. He grew up in the farmhouse his father built. His father was a farmer, barber, carpenter, and bricklayer. Bennie started playing the guitar when he was just six years old!

In 1962, Bennie moved to Chicago. Three of his older brothers had already moved there. They had formed a band called Sweetman and the Sugar Boys. Bennie joined them, and his musical journey really began.

Developing His Unique Sound

After his brother Nathanial passed away, the band broke up. Bennie, who briefly used the stage name Dog Man, kept playing music. He worked at different places in the 1960s and 1970s. This helped him get better at his guitar playing. He played with many famous blues musicians. These included Johnny B. Moore, Lee "Shot" Williams, Little Milton, Magic Sam, Otis Rush, Freddie King, Kansas City Red, Hubert Sumlin, Homesick James, Jimmy Dawkins, Little Walter, and Eddie Shaw.

Bennie's stage name, Boston Blackie, came from a fictional detective character. He also had very dark skin. He would playfully challenge audiences to find someone "blacker" than him. It was a game he always won!

Boston Blackie developed a strong and powerful guitar style. He was inspired by musicians like Magic Sam, Otis Rush, Elmore James, Little Milton, and Bobby Blue Bland. He performed in many West Side delta blues clubs in Chicago. At the time of his death, his band, the Boston Blackie Blues Band, played regularly. They performed at places like Mr. Tee's Lounge, the Delta Fish Market, and the Guess Who Lounge.

Sadly, Bennie Houston died in Chicago on July 11, 1993.

Discography

• Boston Blackie & Otis 'Big Smokey' Smothers – Chicago Blues Session, Volume 1 (1998, Wolf #120.847). This album is a collection of songs. Half of the songs are by Boston Blackie. The other half are by Otis 'Big Smokey' Smothers. They did not play together on the record.