Gary B.B. Coleman | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Gary Don Coleman[1] |
| Born | (1947-01-01)January 1, 1947 Paris, Texas |
| Died | February 14, 1994(1994-02-14) (aged 47) Shreveport, Louisiana[1] |
| Genres | Soul blues |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, songwriter, producer |
| Instrument(s) | Guitar, vocals |
| Years active | Late 1970s–1994 |
| Labels | Ichiban |
Gary B.B. Coleman (January 1, 1947 – February 21, 1994)[1] was an Americansoul blues guitarist, singer, songwriter and record producer.
Originally a local musician turnedbluespromoter andsession musician, Coleman recorded his debut album in 1986, which was re-released byIchiban Records. He issued several other albums and produced most of Ichiban's blues catalogue until his death, in 1994. On many occasions, Coleman undertook multi-instrumentalist duties in the recording studio. He acknowledged bothB.B. King, with his "B.B." moniker, and a fellow Texan,Freddie King.[2]
Coleman was born inParis, Texas. He was working alongside Freddie King by the age of 15.[2] He later supportedLightnin' Hopkins in concert and went on to form his own group. At this time he started simultaneously booking acts intonightclubs across three states, Texas,Oklahoma, andColorado.[2] This dual lifestyle in the Southwest continued for nearly twenty years.[3] In 1985, he created his ownindependent record label, Mr. B's Records, and issued a single, "One Eyed Woman", and his debut album,Nothin' but the Blues, the following year.[2][3] The album proved to be popular. Ichiban Records signed Coleman to arecording contract and duly re-releasedNothin' but the Blues on its label in 1987.[2]
If You Can Beat Me Rockin' (1988) followed, and in the same year Coleman's duties with Ichiban expanded to include record production for other acts, songwriting, and acting as anA&R scout.[2] He released six more albums up to 1992 and was responsible for production duties on albums byBlues Boy Willie,Chick Willis,Little Johnny Taylor, andBuster Benton (Money's the Name of the Game, 1989).[3]
He continued to write material for others and sometimes played guitar and keyboards on their records. His own albums featured songs he wrote, such as "I Fell in Love on a One Night Stand" and "If You Can Beat Me Rockin' (You Can Have My Chair)".[3]
Coleman continued to combine various roles successfully until his early death, in 1994.[2]
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Artists | |
