J. B. Lenoir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
J. B. Lenoir
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | J. B. Lenoir |
| Born | March 5, 1929 Monticello, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Died | April 29, 1967 (aged 38) Urbana, Illinois, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) |
|
| Instruments |
|
| Years active | 1950s–1967 |
| Labels |
|
J. B. Lenoir (pronounced "luh-NORR") was an American blues musician. He was a talented guitarist, singer, and songwriter. J. B. Lenoir was very active in the Chicago blues music scene during the 1950s and 1960s. He was known for his unique style and for writing songs that often talked about important social issues.
Contents
Life and Music Career
J. B. Lenoir was born in Monticello, Mississippi, on March 5, 1929. His full name was simply "J. B." – these letters were not short for anything. His father played the guitar and introduced him to the music of Blind Lemon Jefferson, which greatly influenced J. B. Lenoir. In the early 1940s, he worked with other blues artists like Sonny Boy Williamson II in New Orleans.
In 1949, J. B. Lenoir moved to Chicago. There, famous blues musician Big Bill Broonzy helped him meet other people in the blues community. Lenoir started performing in local nightclubs. He played with musicians such as Memphis Minnie and Muddy Waters. He quickly became an important part of Chicago's blues music scene.
Lenoir began recording his music in 1951. He recorded for labels like J.O.B. Records and Chess Records. His song "Korea Blues" was released by Chess Records. His band at the time included talented musicians like Sunnyland Slim on piano.
Music and Style
During the 1950s, J. B. Lenoir recorded for several record labels in Chicago. These included J.O.B., Chess, Parrot, and Checker. Some of his popular songs were "Let's Roll" and "The Mojo." He also recorded a song called "Eisenhower Blues." This song was about taxes and caused some discussion. Parrot Records asked him to re-record it as "Tax Paying Blues."
Lenoir was known for his exciting performances in the 1950s. He often wore cool zebra-patterned costumes. He also had a unique high-pitched singing voice. He became an important electric guitarist and songwriter. What made him special was that his songs often shared his thoughts on social issues.
His most successful song was "Mamma Talk to Your Daughter." He recorded it in 1954. This song became very popular and was later recorded by many other blues and rock musicians. In the late 1950s, he wrote more blues songs like "Don't Dog Your Woman."
In 1963, J. B. Lenoir became interested in African percussion music. He recorded for USA Records with a band called "J. B. Lenoir and his African Hunch Rhythm." Later, another musician named Willie Dixon helped him record acoustic guitar albums. These albums, Alabama Blues and Down in Mississippi, were inspired by the Civil Rights Movement. In 1965, Lenoir toured Europe and performed in the United Kingdom.
J. B. Lenoir's songs often had clear political messages. He sang about important topics like racism and the Korean War and Vietnam War.
Death and Lasting Impact
J. B. Lenoir passed away on April 29, 1967, in Urbana, Illinois. He was 38 years old. He died from injuries he got in a car crash three weeks earlier. The musician John Mayall wrote songs to honor J. B. Lenoir after his death.
In 2003, a documentary film called The Soul of a Man explored J. B. Lenoir's music career. This film was part of Martin Scorsese's series called The Blues. In 2011, J. B. Lenoir was recognized for his contributions to music. He was added to the Blues Hall of Fame.
Albums
- Alabama Blues (CBS, 1966)
- J. B. Lenoir (Polydor/Crusade, 1970) (released after his death)
Compilation Albums
- Alabama Blues: Rare and Intimate Recordings
- Chess Masters (Chess double LP, 1984)
- The Parrot Sessions, 1954–55 (Relic LP, 1989)
See also
In Spanish: J. B. Lenoir para niños
