Little Mack Simmons facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Little Mack Simmons
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Simmons in December 1975
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Malcolm Simmons |
| Born | January 25, 1933 Twist, Arkansas, U.S. |
| Died | October 24, 2000 (aged 67) Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Genres | Chicago blues |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter, harmonicist |
| Instruments | Harmonica, vocals |
| Years active | Late 1950s–2000 |
| Labels | Black and Blue, Simmons, St. George, Wolf, Electro-Fi |
Malcolm "Little Mack" Simmons was an American musician. He was born on January 25, 1933, and passed away on October 24, 2000. Little Mack was known for playing the harmonica, singing, and writing songs in the Chicago blues style.
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The Life and Music of Little Mack Simmons
Little Mack Simmons was born in a town called Twist, Arkansas. When he was young, he became good friends with another musician named James Cotton. They both learned to play the harmonica together as they grew up.
Moving to St. Louis and Chicago
At 18, Simmons moved to St. Louis, Missouri. There, he worked on the railroad. Around this time, he performed on stage for the first time with a musician named Robert Nighthawk.
In 1954, Little Mack moved to Chicago, Illinois. Chicago is a very famous city for blues music. He started his own band there. For five years, his band played regularly at a place called Cadillac Baby's.
Starting His Recording Career
Little Mack Simmons began making records in 1959. He released his music on different labels, including the well-known Chess.
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, he released several singles. These were often just called "Little Mack." He also owned and managed a club in Chicago called the Zodiac Lounge. This club helped other artists get a chance to perform. He even had his own recording studio and released music on his own labels, PM Records and Simmons Records.
A Break from Music and Return
In the 1960s, Simmons took a break from the music industry. He became a minister instead. For about 30 years, he was not often heard in the music world. However, he did record an album in Paris in 1975.
Little Mack Simmons returned to blues music in 1995 with an album called High & Lonesome. This album was a big success for St. George Records, which was an independent record label. His music was full of energy, and he played with Studebaker John. Another album, Come Back to Me Baby (1996), was also very popular. It featured talented musicians like John Primer, Willie Kent, and Jake Dawson on guitar.
Little Mack Simmons passed away on October 24, 2000, in Chicago. He was 67 years old and died from colon cancer.
Little Mack Simmons: Album and Single Releases
Little Mack Simmons released several albums and singles throughout his career.
Albums by Little Mack Simmons
- Blue Lights, 1975 (Black & Blue Records, France)
- Love Will Make a Way Somehow, 1978 (Simmons Records)
- High & Lonesome, 1995 (St. George Records)
- Come Back to Me Baby, 1996 (Wolf Records)
- Little Mack Is Back, 1997 (Electro-Fi Records)
- Somewhere On down the Line, 1998 (Electro-Fi)
- The Best of Little Mack Simmons, 2001 (Electro-Fi)
Singles by Little Mack Simmons
- "Come Back to Me Baby"
- "Jumpin' at Cadillac" with James Cotton
- "Times Gettin' Tougher"
- "You Mistreated Me Baby"
- "I Need Love"
- "I Play for Keeps"
- "I'm Happy Now"
- "Don't Leave Me Now"
- "When the Lord Stands By"
- "Inflation Blues"
Guest Appearances
Little Mack Simmons also appeared on other artists' albums. With Earl Hooker
- Sweet Black Angel (Blue Thumb, 1969)
See also
- List of Chicago blues musicians
- List of harmonicists
- List of harmonica blues musicians
