Big Maceo Merriweather, often simply known as Big Maceo, was a pivotal figure in the blues genre, particularly renowned for his commanding work on the piano and his deeply resonant vocal style. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 31, 1905, Maceo moved to Detroit in the 1920s before ultimately setting himself up in the thriving blues scene of Chicago. His career really took off in the early 1940s when he started recording for Bluebird Records, quickly establishing himself as one of the leading blues pianists of his time.

His music is characterized by a robust, rollicking boogie-woogie piano style coupled with a graveled voice that articulated the hardships and soul of the blues. Maceo's most significant contributions to the blues came with influential tracks such as "Worried Life Blues," which would later be covered by a multitude of artists, securing his legacy within the fabric of American music. Despite suffering a stroke in 1946 that impaired his piano-playing capability, Big Maceo's work remained influential. His recordings like "Big Maceo Vol. 1 'Flying Boogie'" and "Big Maceo Vol. 2 'Big City Blues'" encapsulate the essence of his powerful musical style during the prime years of 1941 to 1950. Big Maceo's indelible imprint on the blues earned him the title "The King of Chicago Blues Piano," and his work continues to resonate with blues enthusiasts today. Big Maceo passed away on February 23, 1953, leaving a rich catalog of Chicago blues classics as his enduring legacy.

Genres

Barrelhouse Piano

Chicago Blues

Piano Blues

Latest Release

Big Blues

Big Maceo

Album - 10 Tracks - Released March 15, 2024