Chico Banks
| Chico Banks | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Vernon X. Banks |
| Born |
March 7, 1962 Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Died |
December 3, 2008 (aged 46) Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Genres | Chicago blues, electric blues[1] |
| Occupation(s) | Guitarist, singer |
| Instruments | Guitar |
| Years active | Late 1970s – 2007 |
| Labels | Evidence |
Chico Banks (March 7, 1962 – December 3, 2008)[2] was an American Chicago blues guitarist and singer. Banks released one album in 1997 on Evidence Records, but played with plenty of other blues musicians, from his late teens to his death at the age of 46.
He is best known for his tracks "Your Fine" and "Candy Lickin' Man".[2] He was the son of fellow guitarist, Jessie Banks, who played backing to Mighty Clouds of Joy. One commentator noted that Banks "focuses on good-time, upbeat blues".[1] Banks was an influence on guitarist/singer Reggie Sears.[3]
Biography
He was born Vernon X. Banks in Chicago, Illinois, United States.[1]
Banks was inspired by Magic Sam, Buddy Guy, Albert King, Jimi Hendrix, Otis Clay, George Benson and Tyrone Davis. However, his blues guitar playing also incorporated both jazz and funk stylings. Banks first played in a covers group in his mid teens. He later worked with Melvin Taylor, James Cotton, Little Milton, Magic Slim, and Big Time Sarah, as well as both Guy and Clay. He also contributed towards the Long Way to Ol' Miss album, recorded in 1996 by Willie Kent.[1]
His own 1997 debut album, Candy Lickin' Man, released on Evidence, saw Banks play alongside Mavis Staples.[4] In 2002, Banks played on Lee "Shot" Williams' album, Let the Good Times Roll, and the following year on Tyrone Davis' album, Come to Daddy.[5]
In 2007, Banks underwent surgery for a faulty heart valve.[6]
Banks died in Chicago in December 2008.[2][6]
See also
References
- 1 2 3 4 Richard Skelly. "Chico Banks". Allmusic. Retrieved October 14, 2011.
- 1 2 3 Doc Rock. "The Dead Rock Stars Club 2008 January to June". Thedeadrockstarsclub.com. Retrieved 2014-01-26.
- ↑ "Reggie Sears | Similar Artists, Influenced By, Followers". AllMusic. Retrieved 2014-01-26.
- ↑ Bob Gottlieb. "Candy Lickin' Man - Chico Banks | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved 2014-01-26.
- ↑ "Chico Banks | Credits". AllMusic. 2008-12-04. Retrieved 2014-01-26.
- 1 2 Linda Cain. "Chicago blues guitarist Vernon "Chico" Banks dies at age 47". Chicagobluesguide.com. Retrieved October 14, 2011.