The Mighty Hannibal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Mighty Hannibal
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Hannibal in 2011
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | James Timothy Shaw |
| Also known as | Hannibal, King Hannibal |
| Born | August 9, 1939 Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. |
| Died | January 30, 2014 (aged 74) New York City, U.S. |
| Genres | R&B, soul, funk |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter, record producer |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1954–2014 |
| Labels | Various |
| Associated acts | Johnny "Guitar" Watson |
James Timothy Shaw (born August 9, 1939 – died January 30, 2014) was an American singer, songwriter, and producer. He was famously known as The Mighty Hannibal. He sang R&B, soul, and funk music. Hannibal was known for his exciting stage shows and unique costumes, often wearing a pink turban. Many of his songs shared important messages about society or politics. His biggest hit was "Hymn No. 5," which talked about the effects of the Vietnam War on soldiers. This song was not allowed to be played on many radio stations because of its message.
Contents
About The Mighty Hannibal
Early Life and Music
James Timothy Shaw was born in Atlanta, Georgia. He grew up in the Vine City area of Atlanta. As a teenager, he started singing doo-wop music. In 1954, he joined his first group called The Overalls. This group included Shaw, Robert Butts, and two members who later became famous with The Pips: Edward Patten and Merald "Bubba" Knight. Shaw always said that Grover Mitchell taught him how to sing.
In 1958, Shaw moved to Los Angeles. There, he recorded his first solo song, "Big Chief Hug-Um An' Kiss-Um," under the name Jimmy Shaw. This was a fun, silly song released on the Concept record label. He then released other songs like "The Biggest Cry" and "I Need a Woman ('Cause I'm a Man)."
Becoming King Hannibal
Later, Shaw sang with Johnny Otis. He also sang in another group with H. B. Barnum and Jimmy Norman. During this time, he became friends with Johnny "Guitar" Watson and Larry Williams. In 1959, a friend named Aki Aleong suggested he use the name 'Hannibal'. He then released a few songs on the Pan World label. In 1962, he joined King Records. They released four more songs, and "Baby, Please Change Your Mind" was the most popular.
Hannibal returned to Atlanta. He became the lead singer for a band called Dennis St. John and the Cardinals. This band later played on most of his recordings for the Shurfine label. They also performed live with Hannibal around Atlanta. His first song with Shurfine was "Jerkin' the Dog" in 1965. It was a simple dance song for teens and had some success. "Fishin' Pole" followed in 1966.
That same year, Hannibal started singing about more serious topics. After a period away from music, he began recording again in the early 1970s. He was now known as King Hannibal. He released several songs and an album called Truth in 1973. His songs included "I'm Coming Home," which was another song about the Vietnam War. He also released "The Truth Shall Make You Free (St. John 8:32)," an anti-drug song that became a No. 37 R&B hit in 1973.
Later Career and Legacy
In the late 1970s, Hannibal started making gospel-inspired songs. He also worked as an actor in small roles and as a record producer at Venture Records. Later, he worked for the Atlanta Voice newspaper. Hannibal remembered having some success in the Netherlands with his song "Hoedown Disco" in the mid-1970s. This song was a mix of country, gospel, and disco.
Hannibal was not very well known for a while, but his career gained new energy in 1998. A CD album called Who Told You That helped him. In 2001, Norton Records released Hannibalism. This was a compilation album of songs he wrote between 1958 and 1973. Parts of his music were also featured in the movie Velvet Goldmine.
Hannibal lost his eyesight in 2002 because of glaucoma. A documentary film about him, called Showtime!, was released in 2009. In December 2005, Hannibal was the host for a big music show in Brooklyn, New York. He kept performing live and celebrated his 70th birthday on stage in 2009. The next year, he helped write a song called "There's No Tomorrow" for Elton John and Leon Russell's album, The Union.
Family and Passing
Hannibal was a cousin of Vernon Jordan. He was married to another soul singer, Delia Gartrell.
Hannibal passed away on January 30, 2014, at the age of 74. He died at St. Barnabas Hospital in The Bronx, New York, after having trouble breathing at home. He was buried at Lincoln Cemetery in Atlanta, Georgia.
Discography
Albums
- Truth (1973)
- Who Told You That (1998)
- Hannibalism (2001) (compilation album)
- The Resurrection of the Mighty Hannibal (2007)
Chart singles
