Biography
Wilbert Thirkield "Big Chief" Ellis (November 10, 1914 – December 20, 1977) was an influential American blues pianist and vocalist, born in Birmingham, Alabama. Largely self-taught, Ellis began playing piano at local parties and dances in Birmingham during the late 1920s, developing a distinctive style rooted in classic and country blues traditions. His early years were marked by a deep immersion in the local music scene, despite coming from a religious family.
After serving in the Army from 1939 to 1942, Ellis relocated to New York City, where he became a sought-after accompanist for touring blues musicians. Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, he recorded with Lenox Records and worked with notable artists such as Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee for Capitol Records. In the 1970s, Ellis moved to Washington, D.C., where he operated a liquor store but continued to record, notably for Trix Records, collaborating with musicians like Tarheel Slim and John Cephas. He passed away in his hometown of Birmingham at the age of 63, leaving behind a legacy as a respected figure in the blues piano tradition.
Fun Facts
- Ellis was largely self-taught on piano, developing his skills by playing at local parties from a young age.
- He operated a liquor store in Washington, D.C., during the 1970s while continuing to record music.
- Ellis served in the U.S. Army from 1939 to 1942 before launching his professional music career in New York.
- Despite his musical success, Ellis returned to Birmingham later in life, where he died of heart failure.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Local Birmingham blues pianists - Ellis was an autodidact but was influenced by the local blues piano tradition in Birmingham. (Early party and dance performances) [1920s–1930s]
Key Collaborators
- Sonny Terry - Recorded and performed together, especially for Capitol Records. (Capitol Records sessions) [1950s]
- Brownie McGhee - Frequent collaborator, both in recordings and live performances. (Capitol Records sessions, Trix Records recordings) [1950s, 1970s]
- Tarheel Slim - Collaborated during later recordings for Trix Records. (Trix Records sessions) [1970s]
- John Cephas - Played together during Ellis's late career in Washington, D.C. (Trix Records sessions) [1970s]
Artists Influenced
- John Cephas - Ellis's piano style and blues sensibility influenced Cephas, who became a noted blues guitarist and singer. (Collaborative recordings, Cephas's later work) [1970s–1980s]
Connection Network
Discography
Top Tracks
- Dices Blues (Classic Piano Blues from Smithsonian Folkways)
- Louise Blues (Classic Appalachian Blues from Smithsonian Folkways)
- Dices, Dices (She Squeezed My Lemon)
- Dices, Dices (She Squeezed My Lemon)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
BIG CHIEF ELLIS has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 10, 2025 | 15:34 | DICES BLUESfrom CLASSIC PIANO BLUES | Blues Eclecticw/ Andrew Grafe |