NATHANIEL MAYER

Biography

Nathaniel Mayer was born on February 10, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan, where he grew up immersed in music, learning gospel singing in church as a child and idolizing Sam Cooke and the Soul Stirrers. Surrounded by a musical family, he began writing songs early, contacting Fortune Records at age 12 and receiving guidance from Joe Weaver, who helped structure his compositions into proper songs. Mayer performed at high school sock hops and made his debut at DJ Ernie Durham’s record hop in 1959, signing with Fortune soon after to release his first single, 'My Last Dance With You' b/w 'My Little Darling,' at age 16.[1][2][4]

Fun Facts

• Mayer wrote 'I Want Love And Affection (Not The House Of Correction)' while in jail in 1963, updating the year from the Robins' 'Riot In Cell Block #9' with fellow inmate Timmy Shaw.[1]
• He earned the nickname 'Nay Dog' from his habit of picking up women at his shows, later using it for his 1980 single 'Raise The Curtain High'.[1]
• His 1962 hit 'Village of Love' was the biggest ever recorded at Fortune Studio, reaching Billboard top 40, but poor distribution overshadowed it amid Motown's dominance.[1][2]
• After decades away, Mayer made a comeback with Fat Possum Records around 2000, releasing his first full-length album nearly 40 years after starting.[2]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Joe Weaver - Music teacher who taught Mayer how to structure his song writings (Early song development leading to Fortune Records singles) [c. 1956]
• Sam Cooke - Primary idol and stylistic influence from gospel and soul (Inspired Mayer's raw, soulful vocal style) [Childhood, 1950s]
• Soul Stirrers - Gospel group that influenced his early singing (Shaped church-based gospel roots) [Childhood, 1950s]

Key Collaborators

• The Fabulous Twilights - Backing band for key singles ('I Had A Dream' (1963)) [1963]
• Thelma Hopkins and Joyce Vincent - Female backup singers added to recordings ('I Had A Dream' (1963); later famous as Dawn with Tony Orlando) [1963]
• The Fortune Bravos - Backing group for underground hit single ('I Want Love And Affection (Not The House Of Correction)' (1963)) [1963]
• Timmy Shaw - Fellow inmate who co-wrote a song while in jail ('I Want Love And Affection (Not The House Of Correction)') [1963]
• Nathaniel 'Nay Dog' Mayer & the Filthy McNasty Group plus Free Style - Group for rare single release ('Raise The Curtain High' (1980)) [1980]

External Links

• Spotify