Mighty Sam McClain facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mighty Sam McClain
McClain performing in 2013.
Background information
Birth name	Samuel McClain
Also known as	Mighty Sam
Born	(1943-04-15)April 15, 1943 Monroe, Louisiana, U.S.
Died	June 15, 2015(2015-06-15) (aged 72) New Hampshire, U.S.
Genres	R&B, blues, soul
Occupation(s)	Singer
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	1958–2015

Samuel McClain (born April 15, 1943 – died June 15, 2015), known as Mighty Sam McClain, was an American singer and songwriter. He was famous for his powerful soul and blues music.

The Early Life of Mighty Sam McClain

Samuel McClain was born in Monroe, Louisiana. When he was just five years old, he began singing in his mother's Gospel Church. This was the start of his amazing musical journey.

At the age of thirteen, McClain left home. He joined a local R&B guitarist named Little Melvin Underwood. First, he helped Underwood as his valet. By the time he was 15, McClain became the lead singer himself. They traveled and performed on the "Chitlin' Circuit," which was a group of venues that were safe for African American performers during that time.

Building a Music Career

While singing at the 506 Club in Pensacola, Florida, McClain met a record producer and DJ named Papa Don Schroeder. In 1966, McClain recorded a cover of Patsy Cline's song "Sweet Dreams." He also recorded other songs like "Fannie-May" and "In the Same Old Way."

For about fifteen years, McClain worked different jobs to make a living. He lived in Nashville, Tennessee, and later in New Orleans. In 1989, he got a chance to tour and record in Japan. This led to his album Live in Japan, which featured the guitarist Wayne Bennett.

New Beginnings and Success

In the early 1990s, McClain moved to New England. This move helped him connect with Joe Harley and AudioQuest Music. With their help, he released successful albums like Give It Up To Love and Keep On Movin'.

After moving to New Hampshire, he released Sledgehammer Soul and Down Home Blues. In 1998, McClain released two more albums, Journey and Joy & Pain. His album Soul Survivor: The Best of Mighty Sam McClain came out in 1999. Later that year, he signed with Telarc Blues and released Blues for the Soul (2000) and Sweet Dreams (2001). Both albums were nominated for a Blues Music Award.

Creating His Own Music Label

In 1996, McClain started his own company, McClain Productions. He also created his own record label called Mighty Music. Through this label, he released One More Bridge To Cross in 2003. In 2009, he released Betcha Didn't Know, which was nominated as 'Soul/Blues Album 2010' by the Blues Association.

Music for a Cause and Collaborations

In 2008, McClain joined the 'Give US Your Poor' project. This project helps people who are homeless. He even co-wrote a song for it called "Show Me the Way." He performed for this project at famous places like the Lincoln Center in New York City and The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.. He shared the stage with other artists like Natalie Merchant.

In 2009, McClain recorded an album of duets with the Iranian folk singer, Mahsa Vahdat. Their album, Scent of Reunion: Love Duets Across Civilizations, became very popular in the European World Music Chart.

McClain also worked with guitarist Knut Reiersrud. They recorded One Drop is Plenty in Norway in 2011. McClain also sang the theme song, "Find the Sun," for the film Time and Charges. He even had a small role in the movie singing the song.

In 2012, McClain recorded Too Much Jesus (Not Enough Whiskey). The next year, the song "Too Much Jesus," which he co-wrote, was nominated for a Blues Music Award in the 'Best Song' category.

In 2014, McClain was part of a special album called Songs from a Stolen Spring. This album brought together Western musicians with artists from the Arab Spring movement. On the album, McClain sang "If I Can Dream," a song made famous by Elvis Presley. His performance was mixed with "Bread, Freedom" by Egyptian musician Ramy Essam, who was known for his songs during the Egyptian Revolution of 2011.

Mighty Sam McClain passed away on June 15, 2015, after a long illness.

Discography