Biography
Boogie Woogie Red, born Vernon Harrison in Rayville, Louisiana in 1926, moved with his family to Detroit as a young child and quickly became immersed in the city’s vibrant blues scene[2][3][6]. Growing up in Detroit’s Black Bottom neighborhood, he was exposed to the soulful sounds of local musicians, especially the influential blues pianist Big Maceo Merriweather, whose performances inspired Red to teach himself piano[1][2][3]. His father, a part-time vaudeville comedian, also instilled in him a love for stagecraft and storytelling, which later became a hallmark of his live performances[1][3].
By his late teens, Red was already active in the blues circuit, jamming with notable artists like Lonnie Johnson, Tampa Red, and Memphis Slim in Chicago before returning to Detroit in 1946[2]. There, he became a fixture in the local scene, spending fourteen years as the pianist for John Lee Hooker and running his own after-hours club, a real 'blind pig,' where legends like Elmore James and Sonny Boy Williamson would drop by to play[1][2][4]. Red was known for blending blues with jazz, swing, and boogie-woogie, and for his comedic stage persona, which included impressions and witty storytelling[1][3][4].
After stepping back from performing in the early 1960s due to the decline of blues gigs in Detroit and health issues, Red made a remarkable comeback in the 1970s, performing at the Blind Pig Café in Ann Arbor and touring Europe to enthusiastic audiences[1][2][3][4]. His 1974 album 'Live at the Blind Pig' was the inaugural release for Blind Pig Records and captured his unique blend of musicianship and showmanship[4]. Red’s legacy endures as a vital link in Detroit’s blues tradition, celebrated for his authentic style and ability to bridge the worlds of music and comedy.
Fun Facts
- Red’s father was a vaudeville comedian, and Red incorporated comedy, impressions, and storytelling into his live shows[1][3].
- He ran his own after-hours club in Detroit, disguised as a garage, where major blues artists would gather to jam[4].
- Red’s comeback in the 1970s included hosting 'Blue Mondays' at Ann Arbor’s Blind Pig Café, becoming a local institution[1][3][4].
- His 1974 album 'Live at the Blind Pig' was the first release on the now-renowned Blind Pig Records label[4].
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Big Maceo Merriweather - Major stylistic influence and inspiration; Red first heard Maceo in Detroit and modeled much of his piano style after him. (Live performances, stylistic emulation) [1930s–1940s]
- Dr. Clayton - Influenced Red’s approach to blues piano and songwriting. (General influence) [1940s]
Key Collaborators
- John Lee Hooker - Red was Hooker's pianist for 13–14 years and performed extensively with him in Detroit. (Live performances, club gigs) [1946–late 1950s]
- Lonnie Johnson - Jammed together in Chicago during Red’s early career. (Jam sessions) [1940s]
- Tampa Red - Jammed together in Chicago blues scene. (Jam sessions) [1940s]
- Memphis Slim - Jammed together in Chicago blues scene. (Jam sessions) [1940s]
- Elmore James - Performed together at Red’s after-hours club in Detroit. (Club jams) [1940s–1950s]
- Sonny Boy Williamson - Performed together at Red’s after-hours club in Detroit. (Club jams) [1940s–1950s]
Artists Influenced
- Detroit blues pianists - Red’s blend of boogie-woogie, blues, and stagecraft influenced subsequent generations of Detroit blues musicians. (General influence on local scene) [1970s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Top Tracks
- Red's Boogie (American Blues Legends '73)
- Old Time Shuffle - Instrumental (Blue Ivory)
- Viper Song (American Blues Legends '73)
- After Hours (American Blues Legends '73)
- Red's Rhumba - Instrumental (Blue Ivory)
- Red's Boogie - Instrumental (Blue Ivory)
- Pump Jockey Blues (Too Many Bad Habits)
- Hootie Blues (Too Many Bad Habits)
- Soon Forgotten (Too Many Bad Habits)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
BOOGIE WOOGIE RED has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 20, 2025 | 15:45 | RED'S RHUMBAfrom BLUE IVORY | Blues Eclecticw/ Andrew Grafe |