Arkansas Delta Musicians
Luther Allison
Born in Widener, Arkansas in 1939. Moved to Chicago at age 11. Widely acclaimed blues artist but could shift into rock, soul and gospel. Lived in Europe but maintained a summer home in Madison, Arkansas. Died Aug. 12, 1997.
Black Oak Arkansas
Popular rock group in the late 1970s from Black Oak, Arkansas. Arkansas members included Jim Dandy Mangrum, Richie Lee Reynolds and Patrick "Dirty" Daugherty.
Sonny Burgess
Albert Austin “Sonny” Burgess, born May 31, 1929 in Newport, Arkansas. One of the original rock and roll recording artists for Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee. He and his band, the Pacers, made a hit of his first recording, “Red Headed Woman,” and the flip side, “We Wanna Boogie,” both of which Burgess wrote. Burgess and the Pacers are still performing in the United States and Europe.
Chester “Howlin’ Wolf” Burnett
Born in West Point, Mississippi in 1910, Chester "Howlin' Wolf" Burnett moved to Nat Phillip's Plantation in Twist, Arkansas in the 1930s. Performed in the streets and in nearby Hughes, Arkansas and moved to West Memphis in 1940s. Performed on radio in West Memphis and Forrest City. One of the great blues legends known for electrifying showmanship. Died in 1976.
Johnny Cash
Born in Kingsland, Arkansas February 26, 1932. At age 3, moved with his family to the Dyess Colony in Mississippi County, Arkansas, an agricultural resettlement community to assist farmers during the New Deal era. Lived in Dyess until high school graduation in 1950. Many of his songs came straight from his Delta experience; i.e. "Cotton Pickin' Time," "Five Feet High and Risin, etc. Died Sept. 12, 2003.
Tommy Cash
Brother of Johnny Cash, Tommy Cash was born in Dyess, Arkansas on April 5, 1940. Country singer with three top ten hits including "Six White Horses."
Willie Cobbs
Born in Smale, Arkansas in 1932; in 1950s played in Brinkley, Arkansas at the White Swan with such blues greats as B. B. King and Little Walter; In 1960s operated a blues club in Stuttgart, Arkansas; Later opened a club in DeWitt, Arkansas. Has written and recorded more than 30 singles, including "You Don't Love Me" later recorded by Allman Brothers
James Cotton
Born in 1935 in Tunica, Mississippi, Inspired to play harmonica by listening to Sonny Boy Williamson on the King Biscuit Time show. In late 1940s he appeared on the show and toured the region with Sonny Boy Williamson, Howlin' Wolf, etc.; 1950s played in West Memphis, Arkansas clubs and appeared on KWEM radio. Lived in West Memphis for a time.
James “Peck” Curtis
Born in 1912 in Benoit, Mississippi, James "Peck" Curtis moved to Helena, Arkansas in 1929. Played drums on the King Biscuit Time show. Died in 1971
CeDell Davis
CeDell Davis was born in Helena, Arkansas in 1927 and has performed throughout the country and overseas for many years. Crippled by polio as a youngster, he is known for his unique style of playing guitar with a butter knife. Featured on "Keep it to Yourself" album issued by Rooster Blues Records containing recordings by Arkansas blues artists.
James Elmore
James Elmore, legendary blues guitarist, was born in Richland, Mississippi in 1918. Appeared on King Biscuit Time show and Hadacol show on KWEM radio in West Memphis, Arkansas during 1940s. Also worked West Memphis clubs. Died in 1963.
Frank Frost
Frank Frost was born in Aubergne, Arkansas near Augusta on April 15, 1936. Learned to play harmonica from Sonny Boy Williamson and appeared with him on show in early 1960s. Toured with Albert King, B. B. King, Robert Nighthawk, Little Milton. Keyboard and harmonica player with the Jelly Roll Kings blues group. Died Oct. 12, 1999 in Helena, Arkansas.
Al Green
Al Green was born in Forrest City, Arkansas in 1946; Best known as a gospel and soul artist, but has blues influences. In 1970 released the album "Green is Blues." A pastor, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995.
John Handcox
Born in Brinkley, Arkansas Feb 5, 1904. John Handcox became the voice of southern sharecroppers through his songs and poems for Southern Tenant Farmers Union headquartered in Tyronza, Arkansas.
Levon Helm
Levon Helm was born in 1940 near Elaine, Arkansas and grew up in Turkey Scratch west of Helena-West Helena and north of Marvell. Influenced as child by Sonny Boy Williamson. Gained fame with The Band, which incorporated country, rock and blues.
Wayne Jackson
Born in Memphis Nov. 24, 1941, Wayne Jackson was raised in West Memphis, Arkansas. A co-founder of the Memphis Horns of soul music fame. Has played trumpet onstage with Aretha Franklin, Sting, Tanya Tucker, Elvis Presley, U2, Peter Gabriel, Willie Nelson, Billy Joel, Otis Redding, Stephen Stills, Rod Stewart, The Doobie Brothers, Marty Robbins, Joe Cocker, Jimmy Buffett, and Robert Cray.
Marion “Little Walter” Jacobs
Born in Marksville, Louisiana in 1930, Marion "Little Walter" Jacobs appeared on King Biscuit Time and other radio shows, including Mother's Best Flour Hour and the Katz Clothing Store show, in Helena during 1940s; also appeared in Helena clubs with Houston Stackhouse; White Swan in Brinkley with various performers. Died in 1968.
Buddy Jewell Jr.
Born April 2, 1961 in Lepanto, Arkansas. American country music artist who was the first winner on the USA Network talent show, Nashville Star. Signed to Columbia Records in 2003. Made debut on American country music scene with the release of his self-titled album, which produced back-to-back Top 5 singles in "Help Pour out the Rain (Lacey's Song)" and "Sweet Southern Comfort." Another album, Times Like These, followed in 2005.
Robert Johnson
Born in Hazelhurst, Mississippi in 1911, Robert Johnson is considered King of the Delta Blues. He frequently performed at small clubs, fish fries, house parties and other gatherings in the Helena, Arkansas area during 1930s. Taught Robert Lockwood Jr., then a teenager living near Helena, to play guitar. Died in 1938.
Louis Jordan
Louis Jordan was born in Brinkley, Arkansas in 1908. Major recording star in the 1930s and 1940s. Taught by his father to play clarinet. Toured with the Rabbit Foot Minstrels in late 1920s. Gained fame in 1930s with his "jump-blues" style. Made many recordings such as "Is You Is or Is You Ain't My Baby" and "Caldonia" with his Tympany Five band. Appeared in several films. Died in 1975 in Los Angeles and buried in St. Louis.
Albert King
Born in 1923 in Indianola, Mississippi, Albert King lived and worked in Forrest City, Arkansas and Osceola, Arkansas. For many years he played guitar in Osceola clubs before gaining worldwide acclaim. Influenced many modern guitarists (Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Robbie Robertson and Frank "Son" Seals. Died in 1922 and is buried in Paradise Gardens Cemetery in Edmondson, Arkansas near West Memphis.
Robert Lockwood Jr.
Robert Lockwood Jr. was born in Turkey Scratch, Arkansas in 1915. Was an original performer along with Sonny Boy Williamson on the King Biscuit Time show. An accomplished blues guitarist, he later hosted the Mother's Best Flour Hour for KFFA and has made numerous recordings over the years, along with appearances at King Biscuit Blues Festival
Robert Nighthawk
Robert Nighthawk, also known as Robert McCollum, was born in Helena, Arkansas in 1909. Played at local gatherings in the early 1930s with brother Percy McCollum. Appeared on KFFA Bright Star Flour and Mother's Best Flour Hour shows on KFFA in 1940s and 1950s. Died at Helena hospital in 1967.
Willie Nix
Willie Nix was born in Memphis in 1918. Toured with Sonny Boy Williamson, Willie Love and Joe Willie Wilkins as the Four Aces at juke joints throughout Arkansas and Mississippi. Hosted shows on KWEM radio in West Memphis, Arkansas.
Junior Parker
a.k.a Herman Parker Jr. Born March 27, 1932 in West Memphis, Arkansas. Died Nov. 18, 1971 in Chicago. Known for his prowess as a vocalist, bandleader, songwriter and harmonica player, but it was his voice--which music historians describe as "honeyed," "velvet-smooth" and "magic carpet"--that brought him real fame. Parker was mentored in the subtleties of blues harp (harmonica) by the blues legend Sonny Boy Williamson II, and joined Howlin' Wolf's band when he was still a teenager. He was part of Memphis' famous Beale Street blues community.
Joe Willie “Pinetop” Perkins
Pinetop Perkins was born in Belzoni, Mississippi in 1913. Appeared on KFFA radio shows in Helena, Arkansas in the 1940s. Accomplished pianist and guitarist. Performances at King Biscuit Festival.
Doug and Ricky Lee Phelps
The Phelps brothers were born in Leachville, Arkansas and later moved to Kentucky where they were founding members of Kentucky Headhunters.
Sandy Posey
Born June 18, 1947 in Jasper, Alabama, Sandy Posey moved to West Memphis, Arkansas as a teen-ager and embarked on a career as a studio session singer. Posey's debut single, "Born a Woman," reached Number 12 in the U. S. charts in 1966 and was followed by other successes. Posey was one of several singers backing Elvis Presley for sessions at Chips Moman's American studios and appeared with Presley during his first Las Vegas engagement in 1969.
Joe Bennie “Forrest City Joe” Pugh
Forrest City Joe was born in 1926 in Hughes, Arkansas; played guitar, harmonica and piano. Raised on various farms around West Memphis, Arkansas and Hughes; Appeared on Hadacol show on KWEM in West Memphis with Sonny Boy Williamson and Howlin' Wolf in late 1940s. Played area juke joints. Died in 1960.
Racy Brothers
Gospel quartet group out of Dumas, Arkansas. Although, The Racy Brothers perform all across the country, they continue to make Dumas their home. The brothers have been one of Arkansas top gospel groups for over two decades.
Charlie Rich
Born in Colt, Arkansas Dec. 14, 1932. Grammy Award winner with eclectic music style, including rockabilly, jazz, blues, country and gospel. Acquired the nickname, The Silver Fox. Remembered for 1973 hits, “Behind Closed Doors,” and The Most Beautiful Girl.” Died July 25, 1995.
Billy Lee Riley
Born Oct. 5, 1933 in Pocahontas, Arkansas, Billy Lee Riley grew up in the Eastern Arkansas towns of Osceola, Poplar Ridge and Forrest City. A rockabilly pioneer in 1950s with hits on Sun Records label, including "Red Hot" and "Flyin' Saucers Rock and Roll. Proficient at harmonica, guitar, bass, and drums. Died Aug. 2, 2009.
Frank “Son” Seals
Frank "Son" Seals was born Aug. 14, 1942 in back of father's juke joint, the Dipsy Doodle in Osceola, Arkansas. Moved to Chicago. Grew up listening to blues played by Sonny Boy Williamson and Albert King. Father also a musician. Known for electrifying live performances. Recorded for Alligator Records. Died Dec. 20, 2004 in Chicago.
Johnny Shines
Johnny Shines learned to play guitar while living on a farm at Mounds City, Arkansas near Marion, Arkansas in early 1930s. Met and influenced by Howlin' Wolf and Robert Johnson. Went on the road playing all types of venues from house parties to levee camps in late 1930s. Made several recordings. Died in 1992.
Houston Stackhouse
Houston Stackhouse was born in 1910 in Wesson, Mississippi. He performed on King Biscuit Time and Mother's Best Flour Hour in Helena, Arkansas. Played guitar, harmonica, mandolin and violin.
Roosevelt “The Honeydripper” Sykes
Authored "West Helena Blues." Born in Elmar, Arkansas. Played piano and made first recording for Ikeh records in 1929. Recorded and toured til death in 1983.
Johnnie Taylor
Born May 5, 1938 in Crawfordsville, Arkansas, Johnnie Taylor grew up in West Memphis, Arkansas. He began singing in church as a young child and later moved to Kansas City. He died May 31, 2000 in Dallas, Texas. Nicknamed the "Philosopher of Soul," he enjoyed a successful recording career that lasted nearly four decades. He is best remembered for his 1968 R&B chart-topping "Who's Making Love," and his 1976 across-the-board number one "Disco Lady."
Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Born Rosetta Nubin in Cotton Plant, Arkansas on March 20, 1915. One of gospel music’s first superstars, the first gospel performer to record for a major record label (Decca), and an early crossover from gospel to secular music. Tharpe has been cited as an influence by numerous musicians, including Bob Dylan, Little Richard, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Cash.
Bobby Lee Trammell
Born January 31, 1934 in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Early 1960s rocker who performed in the wild 'n crazy style of Jerry Lee Lewis & Little Richard. Songs included "Arkansas Twist." Became a state legislator in later years. Died Feb. 20, 2008 in Jonesboro.
William Warfield
Born Jan. 22, 1920 in Helena, Arkansas, William Warfield was a Grammy Award winning baritone who appeared in the films "Porgy and Bess" and "Showboat" where he sang "Ol' Man River." Died Aug. 26, 2002.
John Weston
Born Dec. 12, 1927 in Marianna, Arkansas, John Weston grew up listening to a variety of music. Self taught on guitar and harp, he wouldn't perform publicly until the late 70's when he frequented the Marianna VFW. Later (in 1988) he began playing solo gigs in front of Bubba's Blues Corner, a record shop in Helena. National recognition came in 1989 when the Blues Foundation gave John the "Lucille Award" at the annual Handy awards in Memphis. He died in June 2005.
Peetie Wheatstraw
Born William Bunch on Dec. 21, 1902, apparently in Cotton Plant, Arkansas. Influential blues singer during the 1930s. Died Dec. 21, 1941 and is buried in Cotton Plant.
Willie Joe Wilkins
Born in Bobo,Mississippi, Joe Willie Wilkins spent much time in Arkansas playing at juke joints and other gatherings with sonny Boy Williamson and Houston Stackhouse. Performed as one of the King Biscuit Entertainers beginning in the 1940s. Lived in Helena, Arkansas and West Memphis, Arkansas at various times. Major influence on post-war blues guitar in the Delta. Died in 1979 in Memphis.
Sonny Boy Williamson
Real name Alex or Aleck "Rice" Miller, Sonny Boy Williamson purportedly was born in Glendora Mississippi between 1899 and 1910. Star of King Biscuit Time on KFFA in Helena, Arkansas. Recorded and toured, including Europe, but returned frequently to Helena. Died May 25, 1965. Buried in Tutwiler, Mississippi.
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