Little MAc

Biography

Malcolm "Little Mack" Simmons (January 25, 1933 – October 24, 2000) was a prominent American Chicago blues harmonica player, singer, and songwriter. Born in Twist, Arkansas, Simmons grew up learning harmonica alongside his childhood friend James Cotton, a relationship that would shape his early musical development. At 18, Simmons moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where he worked on the railroad and made his stage debut with blues guitarist Robert Nighthawk.

In 1954, Simmons relocated to Chicago, Illinois, a city central to the blues tradition. There, he formed his own band and held a five-year residency at Cadillac Baby's, a well-known blues club. He began recording in 1959, releasing singles on various labels, including Chess. Simmons was also an entrepreneur, owning and managing the Zodiac Lounge in Chicago and running his own record labels, PM Records and Simmons Records, which provided platforms for other artists. After a period away from music in the 1960s to pursue ministry, Simmons returned to recording in the 1990s with acclaimed albums such as "High & Lonesome" (1995) and "Come Back to Me Baby" (1996), cementing his legacy as a vital figure in Chicago blues. He passed away in Chicago in 2000, leaving behind a legacy of energetic performances and contributions to the blues community.

Fun Facts

• Simmons owned and managed the Zodiac Lounge in Chicago, which became a hub for blues musicians in the 1960s.
• He took a lengthy break from music to become a minister, returning to recording only in the 1990s.
• Simmons released music under several labels, including his own PM Records and Simmons Records.
• He recorded an album in Paris in 1975, even during his period away from the mainstream music scene.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• James Cotton - Childhood friend and harmonica peer; both learned harmonica together in Arkansas (Early harmonica practice and informal performances) [1940s–1950s]
• Robert Nighthawk - Provided Simmons his first stage experience in St. Louis (Stage debut performances) [Early 1950s]

Key Collaborators

• Studebaker John - Accompanied Simmons on his comeback album (High & Lonesome (1995)) [1995]
• John Primer - Guitarist featured on Simmons' later recordings (Come Back to Me Baby (1996)) [1996]
• Willie Kent - Bassist featured on Simmons' comeback album (Come Back to Me Baby (1996)) [1996]
• Jake Dawson - Guitarist featured on Simmons' comeback album (Come Back to Me Baby (1996)) [1996]

Artists Influenced

• Chicago blues musicians (various) - Provided performance and recording opportunities through his club and labels (Zodiac Lounge residencies, PM Records and Simmons Records releases) [1960s–1970s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Black Magic (Get Weird (Expanded Edition))
2. Love Me Like You (Get Weird (Expanded Edition))
3. Secret Love Song (feat. Jason Derulo) (Get Weird (Expanded Edition))
4. Power (Glory Days (Expanded Edition))
5. Shout Out to My Ex (Glory Days (Expanded Edition))
6. Heartbreak Anthem (with David Guetta & Little Mix)
7. Touch (Glory Days (Expanded Edition))
8. Woman Like Me (feat. Nicki Minaj) (LM5 (Deluxe))
9. Love Me or Leave Me (Get Weird (Expanded Edition))
10. Wings (DNA (Expanded Edition))

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia