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lowell fulson

Lowell Fulson

b. Lowell Fulson, 31st March, 1921, Chocktaw Indian Reservation, Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S.A.

d. 6th March, 1999, Long Beach, California, U.S.A.

Lowell Fulson was born in the Chocktaw Indian Reservation, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

He joined up with singer Texas Alexander for a few months in 1940, touring the Lone Star state with the veteran bluesman.

Fulson was drafted in 1943.

The Navy released him from duty in 1945.

After a few months back in Oklahoma, Lowell went to Oakland, California, where he made his first 78's for the producer Bob Geddins.

Lowell had his own band and recording for Big Town, Gilt Edge, Trilon, and Down Town (where he was sucessful in 1948 with 'Three O'Clock Blues,' later covered by B.B. King).

Swing Time records manager Jack Lauderdale employed Lowell in 1948.

'Every Day I Have the Blues' (an adaptation of Memphis Slim's 'Nobody Loves Me'), 'Blue Shadows,' the two-sided seasonal single 'Lonesome Christmas,' and a mid-tempo instrumental 'Low Society Blues' showcased the importance of the pianist Lloyd Glenn and alto saxist Earl Brown to Fulson's sound (all made the charts in 1950).

Lowell toured with his band for a time with pianist Ray Charles (who later covered Lowell's 'Sinner's Prayer' for Atlantic) and saxophonist Stanley Turrentine.

After a one-off session in New Orleans in 1953 for Aladdin, Fulson signed a longterm liaison with Chess in 1954.

His first single for the label was 'Reconsider Baby,' recorded in Dallas under Stan Lewis's supervision with a sax section that included David 'Fathead' Newman on tenor and Leroy Cooper on baritone.

Elvis Presley recorded the song in 1960, right after he left the Army.

'Loving You,' for the Checker imprint was also successful.

Most of his Checker sessions were held in Chicago and L.A. (the latter his home from the turn of the '50's).

Lowell stayed with Checker into 1962 when he relocated to Kent Records.

1965's driving 'Black Nights' became his first hit in a decade, and 'Tramp,' written by Fulson and Jimmy McCracklin, was more successful.

The latter tune was covered by Otis Redding and Carla Thomas.

A couple of follow-up hits for Kent followed before Lowell became reunited with Stan Lewis at Jewel Records.

1992's 'Hold On' and its 1995 follow-up 'Them Update Blues', both for Ron Levy's Bullseye Blues logo, were among his most recent recordings.

Lowell Fulson died on the 6th March 1999. in Long Beach, California. following complications from kidney disease, diabetes and congestive heart failure.

Real Player

Albums:

Hung Down Head (MCA / Chess 1954)

Lowell Fulson (Chess 1959)

Back Home Blue (Night Train 1959)

Soul (United 1966)

Tramp (United 1967)

Now (United 1969)

In a Heavy Bag (Paula / Flyright 1970)

Let's Go Get Stoned (United 1971)

I've Got the Blues (Fuel 2000 1973)

Ol' Blues Singer (Granite 1975)

Blues Masters (Chess 1977)

Lovemaker (Big Town 1978)

Lowell Fulson (Kent 1979)

Man of Motion (Charly 1981)

One More Blues (Evidence 1984)

Everyday I Have the Blues (Night Train 1984)

Think Twice Before You Speak (JSP 1984)

The Blues Got Me Down (Diving Duck 1985)

Blue Days Black Nights (Ace 1986)

I Don't Know My Mind (Bear Family 1987)

It's a Good Day (Rounder 1988)

San Francisco Blues (Black Lion 1988)

Hold On (Bullseye Blues 1992)

Reconsider Baby (Charly 1993)

Sinner's Prayer (Night Train 1995)

Them Update Blues (Bullseye Blues 1995)

Mean Old Lonesome Blues (Night Train 1996)

Guitar Shuffle (Collector's 1997)

Blue Shadows (Stony Plain 1997)

My Baby (Jewel 1998)

Black Widow Spider Blues (Catfish 2000)

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