Grady Gaines facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Grady Gaines
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Gaines performing in 2014
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| Born | May 14, 1934 Waskom, Texas, U.S.
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| Died | January 29, 2021 (aged 86) |
| Occupation | Saxophonist |
| Known for | The Upsetters, The Texas Upsetters |
| Spouse(s) | Nell Gaines |
| Relatives | Roy Gaines (brother) |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | Texas blues, electric blues |
| Instruments | Tenor saxophone |
| Years active | Early 1950s–2021 |
| Labels | Black Top |
Grady Gaines (born May 14, 1934 – died January 29, 2021) was an amazing American musician. He played the tenor saxophone in blues and jazz music. Grady was famous for playing with the legendary rock and roll star Little Richard in the 1950s. He also played with many other famous artists like James Brown and Sam Cooke. Grady Gaines released three music albums during his career.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Grady Gaines was born on May 14, 1934, in Waskom, Texas. His brother, Roy Gaines, also became a talented musician. In 1943, Grady's family moved to Houston, Texas. He grew up in a neighborhood called the Fifth Ward. Grady went to E. L. Smith Junior High School.
Grady's Music Career
Grady Gaines started his music journey playing his saxophone at a place called The Whispering Pines. He was a very skilled musician.
Playing with Famous Artists
Grady worked as a session musician for Peacock Records. This means he played music for other artists' recordings. He played on songs like "Pack Fair and Square" by Big Walter Price. He also played on "Dirty Work at the Crossroads" by Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown.
In 1955, Grady joined Little Richard's band, called the Upsetters. Grady became the leader of this band. He played on some of Little Richard's biggest hits, including "Keep a Knockin'" and "Ooh! My Soul."
The Upsetters After Little Richard
Little Richard decided to take a break from music in 1957. But The Upsetters band kept playing! They toured with many other famous singers. These included Dee Clark, Little Willie John, James Brown, Jackie Wilson, and Joe Tex. The band also recorded music for Vee-Jay Records in 1958. Grady Gaines also led Sam Cooke's band for a while.
Later Years and New Bands
After The Upsetters broke up, Grady toured with artists like Millie Jackson and Curtis Mayfield. He stopped playing music for a short time in 1980. During this break, Grady worked as a transportation manager for hotels.
In 1985, Grady Gaines started a new band called The Texas Upsetters. They played concerts in Houston. This new band also recorded three albums:
- Full Gain (1988)
- Horn of Plenty (1992)
- Jump Start (2002)
Grady performed at the Long Beach Blues Festival in 1989 and 1996. He continued to play music with The Texas Upsetters until 2013. They played for parties, weddings, and public events in Houston.
Awards and Recognition
Grady Gaines received awards for his amazing music:
- In 1993, he was named Blues Artist of the Year at the Houston Juneteenth Festival.
- In 2001, he was named Local Musician of the Year by the Houston Press.
Personal Life
Grady Gaines was married to Nell Gaines. They were married until his death in 2021. His brother, Roy Gaines, also became a successful musician. Roy played guitar on Bobby Bland's hit song "It's My Life Baby" in 1955.
See also
- List of Texas blues musicians
- List of electric blues musicians
