Saturday, August 10, 2019

AccuRadio Song Of The Day-Calvin Frazier

Artist:Calvin Frazier
Song:She's A Double Crossin' Woman
Album:Detroit Blues: Blues From The Motor City 1938-1954



Calvin Frazier was an associate of Robert Johnson and especially Johnny Shines on the Detroit blues scene. Frazier did not record frequently which is why he is obscure. Most of his recordings were late 30s field recordings and his more commercial recordings in the early 50s. he was born Feb. 15, 1916 in Osceola, AR. At first Frazier performed with his brothers. And then he went on the road with Johnny Shines and Robert Johnson and they moved to Detroit. After performing on a local radio station, Frazier and Johnson returned to the south where they had a band with drummer Peck Curtis. In 1935 Frazier was wounded and his brother shot dead in Memphis. Frazier moved back to Detroit to hide out. He played guitar with Big Maceo Merriweather, Sonny Boy Williamson II and Baby Boy Warren. She's A Double Crossin' Woman was one of several Frazier songs recorded in the field by Alan Lomax in 1938. Frazier was accompanied by guitarist Solomon Pittman. After those recordings, Frazier wouldn't record again until 1949. He released several singles on Savoy with pianist TJ Fowler. These were commercial jump blues recordings. Frazier's final recordings were with Washboard Willie in 1956. This JSP 4CD box set devotes an entire CD to Frazier and Pittman. Calvin Frazier continued to perform in Detroit clubs until he died of cancer on Sept. 23, 1972 at age 57. Here's a video for She's A Double Crossin' Woman by Calvin Frazier.

No comments:

Post a Comment