Percy Strother facts for kids

Percy Lee Strother (born July 23, 1946 – died May 29, 2005) was an American musician. He was a talented electric blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Percy Strother became a very important part of the blues music scene in Minneapolis, Minnesota, starting in the mid-1970s. His music mixed blues, rhythm and blues, and Memphis soul. Some of his well-known songs included "Blow Wind Blow," "Down Home Blues," "Killing Floor," "Grits Ain't Groceries," "Red Rooster," and "Take My Love."

Percy Strother's Early Life and Music Journey

Percy Strother was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, United States. He had a difficult childhood. When he was 14, his mother passed away. Instead of going to an orphanage, Percy traveled around and worked different jobs. During this time, he slowly taught himself how to play the guitar.

Musical Influences and Moving North

Percy was inspired by famous blues musicians like Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Howlin' Wolf, and Wilson Pickett. In the 1960s, he moved north from Mississippi. After playing music in many different places, Percy finally settled down in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Percy's Albums and Tours

Percy Strother released his first album, A Good Woman is Hard to Find, in 1992. The main song from the album won an award for Best Blues Song of 1992. The album itself was also a runner-up for Best Blues Album in the Living Blues Awards. Magazines like Block Magazine and Blues & Rhythm also wrote about Percy.

Guest Vocals and European Tours

In 1992, Percy also sang as a guest on an album called Ready to Go by R.J. Mischo & the Teddy Morgan Blues Band. In 1993, Percy went on a music tour that included shows in the Netherlands and Belgium. He even performed live on Dutch radio! By June of the next year, his tours also included France and Germany.

Second Album: The Highway Is My Home

His second album, The Highway Is My Home, came out in 1995. This album had ten songs that Percy wrote himself. It also included two cover songs by Magic Sam, called "I'm Tore Down" and "Easy Baby." Pat Hayes from the Lamont Cranston Band played harmonica on Percy's version of Little Walter's song, "One Of These Mornings." Another song, "Forty Days and Forty Nights," had appeared on the Ready To Go album earlier. The album's notes quoted Lazy Bill Lucas saying, "Mercy, Mr. Percy!" after hearing Strother sing. The Highway Is My Home was released by a Dutch record company called Black Magic Records. In April 1995, Percy performed at the Burnley National Blues Festival in England. He also played at the Twin Cities Hot Summer Jazz Festival.

Later Albums and Local Fame

It's My Time was Percy Strother's third album, released by JSP Records in 1997. One reviewer said it had "terrific original songs" that showed off his powerful singing and amazing guitar playing. His next album was Home at Last (1998), which he recorded in Europe during one of his tours. This album was a tribute to the older blues musicians who had inspired him. By this time, Percy Strother had become a local celebrity in Minneapolis. He and other musicians like Lazy Bill Lucas helped to grow the blues music scene in that area.

Percy Strother's Passing

Percy Strother was later diagnosed with liver cancer. He passed away in Minneapolis, his adopted hometown, on May 29, 2005. He was 58 years old.

Discography

Albums

See also

• List of electric blues musicians