Frankie Lee Sims biography

Frankie Lee Sims (April 30, 1917, New Orleans, Louisiana – May 10, 1970, Dallas, Texas) was an American singer-songwriter and electric blues guitarist. He released nine singles during his career, one of which, "Lucy Mae Blues" (1953) was a regional hit. Two compilation albums of his work were released posthumously. Sims was the cousin of another Texas blues musician, Lightnin' Hopkins, and he worked with several other prominent blues musicians, including T-Bone Walker, King Curtis and Albert Collins. Sims is regarded as one of the important figures in post-war Texas country blues. Biography Frankie Lee Sims was born on April 30, 1917 in New Orleans, Louisiana. In Dallas Sims encountered, and performed with, Texas blues guitarists T-Bone Walker and Smokey Hogg in local clubs. In 1948 Sims recorded two singles for Blue Bonnet Records, but his first success came in 1953 when he recorded his song, "Lucy Mae Blues" for Art Rupe's Specialty Records, which went on to become a regional hit. In 1969 blues historian Chris Strachwitz tracked Sims down to record him on his Arhoolie label, Style and influence Along with Lightnin' Hopkins and Lil' Son Jackson, Sims is regarded as "one of the great names in post-war Texas country blues". Sims's style of guitar playing was to produce rhythmical patterns over and over, but with a slight change in each repetition, giving his music an "irresistible dance beat". Discography Singles (7-inch) "Home Again Blues"/"Cross Country Blues" (1948, Blue Bonnet 147) "Don't Forget Me Baby"/"Single Man Blues" (1948, Blue Bonnet 148) "Lucy Mae Blues"/"Don't Take It Out On Me" (1953, Specialty 459) "I'm Long Long Gone"/"Yeh Baby" (1953, Specialty 478) "Rhumba My Boogie"/"I'll Get Along Somehow" (1954, Specialty 487) "What Will Lucy Do?"/"Misery Blues" (1957, Ace 524) "Hey Little Girl"/"Walkin' With Frankie" (1957, Ace 527) "She Likes To Boogie Real Low"/"Well Goodbye Baby" (1958, Vin 1006) "I Warned You Baby"/"My Talk Didn't Do No Good" (1958, Ace 539) "Married Woman"/"Lucy Mae" (1971, Specialty 478-45) Compilation albums (LP)Lucy Mae Blues (1970, Specialty SP/SPS 2124) Walkin' With Frankie (1985, Krazy Kat KK7428)