Teenie Hodges facts for kids

Mabon Lewis "Teenie" Hodges (born November 16, 1945 – died June 22, 2014) was a talented American musician. He was famous for playing guitar and writing songs. Teenie helped create many hit songs for artists like Al Green, Ann Peebles, and Syl Johnson. These songs were made at Hi Records in the 1970s.

Some of the well-known songs he helped write include "Take Me to the River", "Love and Happiness", "L-O-V-E (Love)", and "Here I Am (Come and Take Me)".

Early Life and Music Beginnings

Teenie Hodges was born in Germantown, Tennessee. He started playing the guitar when he was just 12 years old. His first band was called the Germantown Blue Dots, and he played with his father.

Later, he joined his brothers, Leroy and Charles, in their band, the Impalas. A music leader and producer from Memphis, Tennessee, named Willie Mitchell, saw Teenie's talent and encouraged him.

Joining the Hi Rhythm Section

Willie Mitchell made Teenie a key part of a special group called the Hi Rhythm Section. This group also included Teenie's brothers, Leroy and Charles. Other members were drummer Al Jackson, Jr. and pianist Archie Turner.

When Al Jackson, Jr. left the group in 1966, Teenie found a new drummer named Howard Grimes to join them. This group became very important in soul music.

Musical Career and Famous Songs

Teenie Hodges co-wrote two very famous songs with Al Green: "Take Me to the River" and "Love and Happiness". Many other artists from around the world have sung these songs.

Some of these artists include Talking Heads, Annie Lennox, and Tom Jones. Teenie also helped write other popular songs like "I Take What I Want" and "Full of Fire". He worked with other great songwriters like Isaac Hayes and Willie Mitchell.

Recording and Touring

Teenie Hodges continued to play guitar and record with the Hi Rhythm Section. They often performed with big soul music stars like Syl Johnson. The Hodges brothers, along with Howard Grimes, released their own album in 1976 called On the Loose. They also released another album, Perfect Gentlemen, in 1994.

Teenie also played on albums for other artists. In 2005, he recorded with Cat Power for her successful album The Greatest. He also worked with Alvin "Youngblood" Hart.

Documentary Film

In 2012, a filmmaker named Susanna Vapnek made a short movie about Teenie Hodges. It was called Mabon "Teenie" Hodges, A Portrait of a Memphis Soul Original. The film showed at a festival in 2013 and won an award.

In 2014, Teenie recorded music one last time with his brothers and other musicians. This was for the final album of Bobbejaan Schoepen.

Family Life

Teenie Hodges was married three times and had eight children. Their names are Velencia, Reginald, Sheila, Cherie, Shonte, Tabitha, Inga, and Mabon II. A famous Canadian rapper and actor, Drake, is Teenie's nephew.

Passing Away

In March 2014, Teenie Hodges became ill with pneumonia. He was taken to a hospital in Dallas, Texas. He passed away on June 22, 2014, at the age of 68. He died from problems related to emphysema.