Biography
Mighty Sam McClain was born on April 15, 1943, in Monroe, Louisiana, into a family of thirteen children. He began singing gospel in his mother's church choir at age five and ran away from home at 13 to escape an abusive stepfather. As a teenager, he worked with 'Little Melvin' Underwood's road show first as a valet and later as a featured vocalist, eventually joining the Dothan Sextet before performing with the Rounders in clubs like the 506 Club in Pensacola, Florida.
Fun Facts
- His 1966 hit 'Sweet Dreams' was a cover of Patsy Cline's song, but Sam infused it with spiritual meaning, interpreting the 'you' as his Maker rather than a romantic interest.
- After early success, he became homeless, eating from trash bins and sleeping on park benches, yet never gave up on his music.
- A chance encounter with a Japanese tourist in New Orleans led to his first international tour and a live album in 1987, revitalizing his career.
- In 2008, he co-wrote 'Show Me The Way' with saxophonist Scott Shetler for the Give US Your Poor project and performed it as a duet with Jon Bon Jovi to fight homelessness.
Associated Acts
- Mighty Sam McClain & Band - eponymous, lead vocals, original
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Little Melvin Underwood - Early employer and bandleader who gave him his first professional stage experience (Road show performances) [Late 1950s]
- Papa Don Schroeder - Record producer and radio station owner who launched his recording career (Singles including 'Sweet Dreams' on Amy Records) [1966-1968]
Key Collaborators
- Hubert Sumlin - Guest vocalist on blues album (Blues Party (Black Top Records))
- Nappy Brown - Tour mate on Southern Soul Revue (Southern Soul Revue tour)
- Johnny Adams - Tour mate on Southern Soul Revue (Southern Soul Revue tour)
- Wayne Bennett - Tour mate and blues guitarist on Southern Soul Revue (Southern Soul Revue tour)
- Knut Reiersrud - Duet album with Norwegian guitarist (One Drop is Plenty)
- Mahsa Vadhat - Duets with Iranian folk vocalist (Scent of Reunion: Love Duets Across Civilizations)
- Neville Brothers - Helped revive his career in the mid-1980s (Career resurgence leading to Your Perfect Companion) [Mid-1980s]
Connection Network
Current Artist
Collaborators
Influenced
Mentors
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External Links
Tags: #blues, #soul-blues
References
Heard on WWOZ
Mighty Sam McClain has been played 10 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.