Jerry Boogie McCain

about

Jerry "Boogie" McCain Jerry "Boogie" McCain Alabama bluesman Jerry "Boogie" McCain (1930- ) is a prolific songwriter and one the world's most influential amplified harmonica players. His songs are admired for their humorous social commentary and natural vocal delivery as well as for their innovative harmonica leads. Critics regard his 1960 instrumental Steady as a blues harmonica classic. Although McCain has continued to adapt with the times, his musical standards and lyrical wit have remained consistent throughout his career. Jerry "Boogie" McCain was born June 19, 1930, in Gadsden, Etowah County. At birth McCain was named Paul Edward, but his parents Marcellas and Cynthia Nickols McCain called him Jerry from infancy. He was the youngest of five siblings. Both former sharecroppers from Talladega County, Cynthia played guitar with her sister at the Holiness church and Marcellas kept a Rockola jukebox at his barbecue stand. Jerry began playing harmonica at the age of five, developing his skills by playing with other musicians on the streets of Gadsden. As a teenager, he performed on the local radio station WETO, accompanied by friends playing a jug and washboard to keep the beat. He earned the nickname "Boogie" for his facility with up-tempo rhythmic melodies. McCain dropped out of Carver High School in the ninth grade. He later worked as a bounty hunter, delivered furniture, and worked at a foundry in Gadsden. In 1953, McCain's talent for mimicry and parody led to his fi

top songs

albums

American Roots: Blues

I've Got the Blues All over Me

Abolutely The Best: The Complete Jewel Singles 1965-1972

Boogie Is My Name

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Jook Joint Blues: Good Time Rhythm & Blues, CD B

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Underground Blues Essentials

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Blues Masters, Vol. 4: Harmonica Classics

Retrospectives: Jerry McCain

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Tuff Enuff - Ace (MS.) Blues Masters Vol. 3

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Blues Harp Heroes

Love Desperado

Struttin' My Stuff

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