Chicago's First Blues Brothers: Joe and Charlie McCoy-- Part 2

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Because the McCoys recorded before World War II, they did not benefit from the electric amplification that launched the careers of Muddy waters, Howling Wolf, Willie Dixon and others.

Recording in Memphis, the brothers formed a group called the Harlem Hamfats which was musically freewheeling and adventuresome, playing music infused with New Orleans horns, piano, ragtime string instruments.

In Chicago, they recorded at the Decca studios at 666 S. Lake Shore Drive. The Hamfats are considered Chicago's first blues band.

Their hits were numerous and many even racy like Oh Red!" and "Let's Get Drunk and Truck."

The McCoys were also songwriters and session musicians, often for Joe's wife, Memphis Minnie. He and his wife co-wrote "When the Levee Breaks." Forty-three years later, Led Zeppelin altered the tune and it became one of their signature songs. In 2006, Bob Dylan altered it again in his song "The Levee's Gonna Break."

Here's Hoping They Got the Deserved Markers. --Cooter