Fred Below
Fred Below (September 16, 1926 – August 14, 1988) was an American blues drummer, best known for his work with Little Walter and Chess Records in the 1950s. According to Tony Russell, Below was creator of much of the rhythmic structure of Chicago blues, especially its backbeat.
Career
Below was born in Chicago, and started playing drums in a high school jazz band. After being conscripted into the United States Army, he joined the 427th Army band, where he played with Lester Young. After war service, he played in nightclub in Germany before returning to the United States in 1951.
Back in Chicago, Below joined a group called The Aces, comprising Junior Wells and brothers Louis and Dave Myers. Little Walter had just left Muddy Waters' band to pursue a solo career, Wells taking over Walter's role on harp in the Muddy Waters band and Walter commandeering the Aces (Myers brothers and Below). As Little Walter and the Nightcats, they became one of the top electric blues bands in Chicago.
Podcasts:
Fred Below
ALBUMS
American Folk Blues Festival '65 (disc 5 of 5)
- Highway 61
- Slow Down Woman
- BluesHarp Shuffle
- Christine
- Come OnBack Home
- Five Long Years
- The Big Question
- Rosa Lee
- King of the World
- Della Mae
- First Time I Met The Blues
- Hound Dog
- My Black Name Is Ringing
- Della Mae (alt take)
- Hound Dog (alt take)
- South Side Jump
- If I Get Lucky
- Got a Letter This Morning
- Sail On
- Farewell Baby
Born: 1926-09-16
Died: 1988-08-14
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