DISCOGRAPHY 1979-2009 (13CD)
Simmons was born in Twist, Arkansas. In his youth, he befriended James
Cotton, and both learned to play the harmonica as they were growing up.
Simmons relocated to St. Louis, Missouri, at the age of 18 and worked on
the railroad.Around this time he made his stage debut with Robert Nighthawk. In 1954, he moved to Chicago, Illinois, put together his own backing band, and had a five-year residency at Cadillac Baby's. He commenced recording in 1959, issuing records on several labels, including Chess.
In the late 1950s and early 1960s Simmons recorded several more obscure
singles, often simply billed as Little Mack (or Mac). He owned and managed
the Zodiac Lounge, in Chicago, from the mid- to late 1960s, providing
opportunities for other artists. He also owned a recording studio and
recorded on his own labels, PM Records and Simmons Records. Simmons left
the music industry for the ministry in the 1960s and was rarely heard for
the next 30 years, notwithstanding an album he recorded in 1975 in
Paris.
His returned to blues music with High & Lonesome (1995), an early
success for St. George Records, an independent record label. His energetic
style, accompanied by Studebaker John, belied his years. Come Back to Me
Baby (1996), with featured sidemen John Primer, Willie Kent and Jake
Dawson (guitarist), was also well received.
Simmons died of colon cancer on October 24, 2000, in his adopted hometown
of Chicago; he was 67.
NEW!
1979-I Believe In Love How Bout You (LP) @320
1982-My Message Is Love (LP) @320
1984-Mama Was Right (LP) @FLAC
1997-Somewhere On Down The Line @FLAC+
2000-The Last Sessions @FLAC+
2001-The Best of Little Mack Simmons (15T) @FLAC+