Robert Ealey
Robert Ealey | |
|---|---|
 Robert Ealey performs in Fort Worth, Texas in June 1985 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Robert Daniel Ealey |
| Born | December 6, 1925 Texarkana, Texas, United States |
| Died | March 8, 2001 (aged 75) Fort Worth, Texas, United States |
| Genres | Texas blues, electric blues[1] |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter, drummer |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals |
| Years active | 1940s–2000 |
| Labels | Black Top, various |
Robert Daniel Ealey (December 6, 1925 – March 8, 2001)[2] was an American electric blues singer, who performed Texas blues. Among other releases, he recorded a couple of albums for Black Top Records in the 1990s, having earlier formed a duo with U.P. Wilson.[3] Ealey also worked with Tone Sommer, Mike Buck, and Mike Morgan.[1]
Ealey's best-known work includes "One Love One Kiss" and "Turn Out the Lights". He variously worked with the Boogie Chillun Boys, the Juke Jumpers and the Five Careless Lovers.[2]
Life and career
Ealey was born in Texarkana, Texas. In his teens he sang in a quartet in his church.[1]
Following service in the
By the 1990s, Ealey and the guitarist Tone Sommer started touring more widely, and their authentic Texas blues found a wider audience in the United States and Europe. Television advertisement work also expanded the recognition of Ealey's music. His 1996 album, Turn Out the Lights, issued by Black Top Records, saw Ealey work with blues accompanists including Mike Morgan and Sommer on guitar. The 1997 follow-up, I Like Music When I Party, was similarly successful.[1]
Ealey died in Fort Worth on March 8, 2001, at the age of 75, of undisclosed causes following an automobile accident the previous December.[2] He was interred with military honors at the Dallas–Fort Worth National Cemetery.[4]
In 2003, Aristokraft issued the compilation album Robert Ealey: Blues That Time Forgot.[4]
Ealey is the subject of the 2020 Joe Nick Patoski book, Robert Ealey and His Five Careless Lovers.[7]
Selected album discography
| Year | Title | Record label |
|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Live at the New Bluebird Nightclub | Blue Royal |
| 1981 | Bluebird Open | Amazing |
| 1995 | If You Need Me | Topcat |
| 1996 | Turn Out the Lights | Black Top |
| 1997 | I Like Music When I Party | Black Top |
See also
- List of electric blues musicians
- List of Texas blues musicians
- Texas Roadhouse Music
References
- ^ a b c d e f Skelly, Richard. "Robert Ealey: Biography". AllMusic.com. Retrieved 2014-01-28.
- ^ a b c Doc Rock. "The Dead Rock Stars Club 2001". Thedeadrockstarsclub.com. Retrieved 2014-01-28.
- ^ a b "U. P. Wilson, Blues Musician: September 4th 1934 to September 22nd 2004". Archived from the original on July 28, 2011. Retrieved September 12, 2011.
- ^ a b c d Texas State Historical Association. "Ealey, Robert". Tshaonline.org. Retrieved September 13, 2011.
- ^ "Robert Ealey & His Five Careless Lovers Live At The New Blue Bird Nite Club 180g LP (Blue Vinyl)". Elusivedisc.com. Retrieved March 6, 2021.
- ^ "Robert Ealey / His Five Careless Lovers - Live At The New Blue Bird Nite Club (Blue) [180 Gram] | daddykool". Daddykool.com. Retrieved March 6, 2021.
- ISBN 978-1715497521.
- ^ "Robert Ealey: Discography". AllMusic.com. Retrieved 2014-01-28.
- ^ "The Robert Ealey Memorial Site". Robertealey.com. Retrieved August 25, 2011.
External links
- "Milk Cow Blues" (1994) with Mike Morgan on YouTube
| Authority control databases: Artists |
|---|
