Joe McCoy was an American blues guitarist who is best known for his collaborations with Memphis Minnie, including their work in the 1920s and 1930s, as well as for leading several successful blues bands.
Personal and Family Life
Born Wilbur Joe McCoy on May 11, 1905, in Jackson, Mississippi, he self-taught guitar skills played a key role in his early music career. He was previously married to Lizzie Douglas, but they divorced around 1935. McCoy grew up in the Mississippi Delta, where he developed his passion for music and began performing at local events.
Career
In the mid-1920s, McCoy moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where he became involved with prominent musicians of the time, including teaming up with Memphis Minnie in 1929. He adopted the nickname Kansas Joe and signed a recording contract with Columbia Records. Throughout his career, he formed several bands, including The Harlem Hamfats and Big Joe and His Washboard Band, achieving recognition through multiple recordings.
Death and Legacy
Joe McCoy passed away from heart disease on January 28, 1950, in Chicago, Illinois. His contribution to the blues genre left a lasting legacy, influencing many musicians who followed. While his life was cut short, his music continues to be celebrated and remembered by blues enthusiasts around the world.
Filmography
| Role | Title | Year | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Old Man in Cafe | Lola | 2001 | 5.4 |
| 4th Man | The Keeper | 2004 | 4.7 |