Percy Mayfield

Biography

Percy Mayfield, born August 12, 1920, in Minden, Louisiana, earned the nickname 'Poet Laureate of the Blues' for his deeply introspective and poetic songwriting. As a child, he wrote poems and set them to music, but his mother’s disapproval of blues meant he sang only in church. Leaving home at 15, Mayfield traveled across the country before settling in Los Angeles in 1942, where he began to establish himself in the postwar R&B scene. His breakthrough came in 1950 with the poignant ballad 'Please Send Me Someone to Love,' which topped the R&B charts and showcased his ability to blend melancholy with social commentary[1][2][3].

Mayfield’s career as a performer was tragically curtailed by a serious automobile accident in 1952 that left him permanently disfigured, but he continued to record and, more notably, became a prolific songwriter for other artists. His greatest commercial success came as a staff writer for Ray Charles in the early 1960s, penning classics such as 'Hit the Road, Jack,' 'Hide Nor Hair,' and 'At the Club.' Mayfield’s songs were recorded by a wide range of artists, including B.B. King, Brook Benton, Esther Phillips, and Elvis Presley. He remained active as a songwriter and occasional performer until his death in Los Angeles on August 11, 1984, just one day before his 64th birthday[1][2][3].

Mayfield’s musical style is characterized by a smooth, understated vocal delivery and lyrics that explore themes of love, loss, and the human condition with rare sensitivity and insight. His legacy endures not only through his own recordings but also through the many artists who have interpreted his work, cementing his place as one of the most influential figures in blues and R&B songwriting[1][3].

Fun Facts

• Mayfield wrote 'Please Send Me Someone to Love' as a prayer for peace and understanding between races, reflecting his social consciousness[1].
• He survived a horrific 1952 car accident in which he was initially pronounced dead at the scene, but lived with facial disfigurement for the rest of his life[2].
• Mayfield considered himself a songwriter first and only became a singer because record companies insisted he perform his own material[4].
• His hometown of Minden, Louisiana, declared May 13th 'Percy Mayfield Day' in 2005, honoring his lasting legacy[3].

Associated Acts

• Percy Mayfield & Orchestra

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Church and Gospel Traditions - Early musical exposure and vocal training in church due to his mother's preference for sacred music over blues. (Childhood performances) [1930s]

Key Collaborators

• Ray Charles - Mayfield served as a staff songwriter, providing numerous hits for Charles and recording two albums for Charles's Tangerine label. ('Hit the Road, Jack', 'Hide Nor Hair', 'At the Club', 'But on the Other Hand Baby') [Early 1960s]
• The Maytones - Mayfield's own group formed after moving to Los Angeles. (Early live performances and recordings) [1940s]

Artists Influenced

• Ray Charles - Charles's vocal and interpretive style was influenced by Mayfield's songwriting, especially on major hits. ('Hit the Road, Jack' and other songs written by Mayfield) [1960s]
• Johnny Adams - Adams recorded a tribute album of Mayfield's songs, highlighting his influence on later R&B and soul artists. (Album: 'Walking on a Tightrope: The Songs of Percy Mayfield') [1989]
• Aaron Neville - Neville and other artists have covered Mayfield's songs, perpetuating his influence in modern soul and blues. (Covers of 'Please Send Me Someone to Love') [1980s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Louisiana (Poet Of The Blues)
2. Please Send Me Someone To Love (Poet Of The Blues)
3. Louisiana (The Voice Within: The Speciality Singles 1950-55)
4. Hit The Road Jack (Memory Pain, Vol. 2)
5. Loose Lips (Poet Of The Blues)
6. Please Send Me Someone To Love (The Voice Within: The Speciality Singles 1950-55)
7. The Voice Within (The Voice Within: The Speciality Singles 1950-55)
8. Please Send Me Someone to Love (The Blues Collective - Percy Mayfield)
9. The River's Invitation (Poet Of The Blues)
10. Loose Lips (The Voice Within: The Speciality Singles 1950-55)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #2008-universal-fire-victim, #r&b, #songwriter