Lovie Lee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lovie Lee
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| Birth name | Edward Lee Watson |
| Born | March 17, 1909 Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States |
| Died | May 23, 1997 (aged 88) Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Genres | Electric blues |
| Occupation(s) | Pianist, singer, songwriter |
| Instruments | Piano, vocals |
| Years active | Early 1950s–1997 |
| Labels | Earwig |
| Associated acts | Muddy Waters, Carey Bell, Lurrie Bell |
Lovie Lee (born Edward Lee Watson) was an American blues musician. He was a talented pianist and singer. Lovie Lee is famous for playing with the legendary Muddy Waters. He also released his own album in 1992. He was like a father figure to blues artist Carey Bell. This made him a "grandfather" to Lurrie Bell, another blues musician.
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Lovie Lee's Early Life and Music Journey
Lovie Lee was born Edward Lee Watson. He was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1909. He grew up in Meridian, Mississippi. Lovie taught himself to play the piano. He started performing in churches. He also played at rodeos and vaudeville shows. Vaudeville was a type of entertainment with many different acts.
His aunt gave him the nickname Lovie. In the early 1950s, he played part-time with a group called the Swinging Cats. Carey Bell, another blues musician, was in this group. Lovie Lee took Carey Bell under his wing. In September 1956, they both moved to Chicago.
Lovie Lee worked in a woodworking factory during the day. At night, he played piano in many Chicago blues nightclubs. He was very well known in Chicago for his blues piano style. Later, he worked as an upholsterer. He always kept his own band, called the Sensationals, together.
Playing with Muddy Waters
After retiring from his day job, Lovie Lee joined Muddy Waters's band. This happened in 1979. He took over as the piano player from Pinetop Perkins. George "Mojo" Buford suggested Lovie Lee to Muddy Waters. Lovie Lee had worked with Buford before.
Lovie Lee stayed with Muddy Waters's band for several years. He played with them until Muddy Waters passed away in 1983. After that, Lovie Lee went back to playing in clubs around Chicago.
Lovie Lee's Albums
Lovie Lee made some private recordings in 1984 and 1989. These recordings, along with newer songs, became his album Good Candy. The album was released in 1992. Other musicians who played on the album included Eddie Taylor, Odie Payne, Carey Bell, and Lurrie Bell.
Lovie Lee passed away in Chicago in May 1997.
Music Albums
- Living Chicago Blues Vol. 3 (1980), Alligator
- Good Candy (1992), Earwig Music Company
See also
- List of electric blues musicians
