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UPDATE: As the change is now in force for some users, I have switched the navigation to the simplified one for the new system. Please check Navigation in the Help section if you can't find things. I also initially made small adjustments to the front page layout, but have now reverted to the old look until all users are on the new system.

COUNTDOWN: Just a reminder for people still using Monaco that the final switch to the new skin is due on Nov. 3. After that, it will no longer be offered as an option. Sorry. Nothing to do with me.

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John Peel Wiki
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Lightnin' Slim

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Lightnin Slim

Otis Verries Hicks, known as Lightnin' Slim (March 13, 1913 – July 27, 1974), was an American blues musician who played Louisiana blues and swamp blues. His first recording was "Bad Luck Blues" ("If it wasn't for bad luck, I wouldn't have no luck at all"), released by J. D. "Jay" Miller's Feature Records in 1954. Miller gave him the stage name "Lightnin' Slim". Slim then recorded for Excello Records for twelve years, starting in the mid-1950s, often collaborating with his brother-in-law Slim Harpo and with the harmonica player Lazy Lester.

Slim stopped performing the blues for a time. He was rediscovered by Fred Reif in 1970, in Pontiac, where he was living in a rented room at Slim Harpo's sister's house. Reif soon got him back performing again and a new recording contract with Excello, this time through Bud Howell, then the president of the company. His first engagement was a reunion concert in 1971 at the University of Chicago Folk Festival with Lazy Lester, whom Reif had brought from Baton Rouge in January of that year.

In the 1970s, Slim performed on tours in Europe, in the United Kingdom and at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, for which he was often accompanied by Moses "Whispering" Smith on harmonica. He last toured the UK in 1973, with the American Blues Legends package organised by Big Bear Records.

In July 1974, Slim died of stomach cancer in Detroit, Michigan, aged 61.

Links to Peel[]

Peel was an enthusiastic follower of Lightnin' Slim's works and played many of his songs throughout most of his radio career, especially tracks from his Rooster Blues album released in 1960.

Shows Played[]

Lightnin's_Troubles

Lightnin's Troubles

1970
1972
1978
1981
1983
1989
1990
1992
  • 03 July 1992: 'Nothing But The Devil (Double LP-The Excello Story)' (Blue Horizon)
  • 17 July 1992: 'Going Home' (JP: 'Of course, you do understand that the invitation to "blow your harmonica, son" has nothing to do with playing harmonicas at all, but an invitation to unbridled sexual activity: this is what the experts would probably tell you.')
  • 19 July 1992 (BFBS): Nothing But The Devil
1993
1994
  • 05 March 1994: ‘It’s Mighty Crazy (CD - Rooster Blues / Bell Ringer) (Ace)
  • 12 March 1994: The Hoodoo Blues (CD - Rooster Blues / Bell Ringer) Excello
  • 16 April 1994: ‘Rooster Blues (CD - Rooster Blues/Bell Ringer )’ Ace
  • 23 April 1994 (BFBS): Rooster Blues (CD - Rooster Blues/Bell Ringer) Excello
  • 30 April 1994: Long Leanie Woman (CD - Rooster Blues / Lightnin' Slim's Bell Ringer) Ace
  • 06 May 1994: ‘G I Slim (CD - Rooster Blues/Bell Ringer )’ Ace
  • 07 May 1994 (BFBS): Long Leanie Mama (double CD - Rooster Blues / Bell Ringer)
  • 14 May 1994 (BFBS): GI Slim (double CD - Rooster Blues / Bell Ringe ) Ace
  • 28 May 1994: ‘It's Mighty Crazy (CD – Rooster Blues / Bell Ringer )’ Ace
  • 22 July 1994: Bed Bug Blues
1995
1996
1997
2004

External Links[]

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