Oliver Sain facts for kids

Oliver Sain Jr. (born March 1, 1932 – died October 28, 2003) was a talented American musician. He played the saxophone, wrote songs, led bands, and produced music. Oliver Sain was very important in creating rhythm and blues (R&B) music, especially in St. Louis, Missouri.

Oliver Sain's Musical Journey

Early Life and Musical Start

Oliver Sain Jr. was born in Dundee, Mississippi, on March 1, 1932. His grandfather, Dan Sane, was a famous blues guitarist. Oliver started playing music when he was young, learning the trumpet and drums.

In 1949, he moved to Greenville, Mississippi. There, he joined his stepfather, pianist Willie Love, as a drummer. They played in a band led by Sonny Boy Williamson II.

Soon after, Oliver became a drummer for Howlin' Wolf for about ten years. After serving in the United States Army during the Korean War, he returned to Greenville. He then started playing the saxophone. He rejoined Willie Love in Little Milton's band.

Moving to Chicago and St. Louis

In 1955, Sain moved to Chicago. He sometimes played with Howlin' Wolf's band. He also met the owners of Chess Records, a famous music label.

In 1959, Little Milton invited Oliver to play in East St. Louis, Illinois. Oliver soon became Little Milton's musical director. He also played with Ike Turner's Kings of Rhythm.

Oliver found Fontella Bass and asked her to join Little Milton's band. She started as a keyboard player. Later, he discovered her amazing singing talent.

Forming the Oliver Sain Soul Revue

After a few years, Oliver left Little Milton's band. He started his own group, the Oliver Sain Soul Revue. He made Fontella Bass and Bobby McClure the main singers.

In 1964, the band made their first recordings. The next year, Sain wrote and produced a big hit song. It was called "Don't Mess Up a Good Thing." Fontella Bass and Bobby McClure sang it. The song reached number 5 on the R&B chart.

Later, Gregg Allman covered this song on his solo album. After Fontella Bass left for a solo career, Barbara Carr became the new singer. She sang with Sain until 1972.

Recording Studio and Hit Songs

In 1965, Oliver Sain opened his own recording studio in St. Louis. It was called Archway. He recorded and produced music for many artists there. He helped create a unique "St. Louis soul" sound.

His first album, Main Man, came out in 1972. Then came Bus Stop in 1975. A song from that album, "Booty Bumpin' (The Double Bump)," reached number 78 on the R&B chart.

In 1976, his song "Party Hearty" from the album Blue Max was a big hit. It reached number 16 on the R&B chart. The other side of the record, "She's a Disco Queen," also became popular.

Oliver Sain's music, like "Bus Stop," became popular in clubs in the United Kingdom. He even toured there. His last R&B chart song in the US was "Feel Like Dancin'" in 1977.

Later Career and Legacy

Sain released two more albums: So Good (In the Morning) in 1981 and Fused Jazz in 1983. He started focusing more on producing music and performing live.

In 1982, he produced Larry Davis' album Funny Stuff. This album won a Blues Music Award. In 1987, he wrote and produced Johnnie Johnson's first album, Blue Hand Johnnie.

In the late 1980s, Sain toured Europe with former Kings of Rhythm members. They were named ambassadors for the City of St. Louis. Oliver Sain kept performing and working in his studio. He was even credited with discovering local singer Kim Massie.

Oliver Sain passed away on October 28, 2003. He had been battling cancer.

Accolades

In 2019, Oliver Sain was honored. He was inducted into the St. Louis Classic Rock Hall of Fame.