Artie "Blues Boy" White was born April 16, 1937 in Vicksburg, Ms..

Artie died on Saturday, April 20, 2013 in Harvey Il.

Like many blues singers he started with Gospel and sang with a spiritual group, The
Harps Of David, at the age of 11 prior to coming to Chicago in 1956. White continued to
sing gospel, now with the Full Gospel Wonders. White switched over to blues in the
early 1960s. Over the next two decades, he recorded a number of singles with
independent labels such as P&M, Gamma, and Al Tee. Titles include "Gimme Some Of
Yours", "Lookin' For A Good Time", "Love Like Yours (Is Hard To Find)", "Rough
Enough", "She's The One" & "Bad Intentions".
White briefly reached #99 on the R & B charts with "You Are My Leanin' Tree" in 1977.
But it wasn't until 1984 that he recorded his first full-length album for Ronn Records
called "Blues Boy" that reprised his smash "Leanin' Tree". The LP made more noise with
the popular singles "Jimmie" and "Chain Of Fools". Artie adopted "Blues Boy" as part of
his name. He then signed with Ichiban in 1987 and waxed six fine sets in the soul-blues
vein- two of which even charted on Billboard's R & B charts.
In an era when synthesizers and fleeting drum program sounds dominated black music,
Artie produced soulful blues with real musicians. When Ichiban closed shop Artie was
signed to a three-album deal with Waldoxy, a Malaco affiliate. After three albums with
Waldoxy Artie started his own label (Achilltown).
==

Haddix and White at Castor Uk Photo by Nick Cobban

His first public musical experience was singing gospel with the ‘Harps of David.’ Moving
to Chicago in 1956, White continued to sing gospel with the Full Gospel Wonders. White
switched over to blues in the early 1960's. Over the next two decades, he recorded a
number of singles with independent labels such as P&M, Gamma, and Al Tee. He briefly
reached the R & B charts with "You Are My Leanin' Tree" on the Al Tee Label in 1977.
His hit sold over 100,000 copies. In 1984, singles "Jimmy" and "I need Someone"’ on the
Jewel Record Label became classics and "BLUES BOY" became his signature
recording name. White signed a recording contract with Stan Lewis's Ronn/Jewel/Paula
consortium in 1985.
In 1987, White moved on to John Abbey's Ichiban label where he recorded, arranged
and produced his next 7 albums. He was a fixture there until he signed with Malaco’s
Waldoxy Label in 1994. His first CD on this label, “Different Shades Of Blue” featured
the hit ‘Marry my Mother-In-Law’. White's version of "Your Man Is Home Tonight"
signaled that Waldoxy had moved decidedly into the same territory of soul blues that
Malaco had been mining since Z. Z. Hill first signed with the company in 1980. White
was nominated for the Jackson Blues Award for this landmark release. His current CD
“Can We Get Together” received top reviews. Artie was a headliner at the Chicago
Blues Festival in June of 2000. His overseas concerts keep him in demand for return
performances. Artie received the “Award of Honor” for his contribution to music at the
2002 Chicago Music Awards. He released “I Can’t Get Enough” on the “ACHILLTOWN”
Label on November 1, 2001. Artie has performed with greats such as B.B. King, KoKo
Taylor, Aretha Franklin, Bobby Bland, James Brown, Little Richard, Chuck Berry,
McKinley Mitchell, The Dells, Chi-Lites, Little Milton, Bobby Rush, The late Johnnie
Taylor, Latimore, Shirley Brown, Denise LaSalle, Tyrone Davis, Otis Clay, Sugar Hill
Gang, and many others.
Source: artiewhite dot com
==
Interview with Blues Critic (Q) for bluescritic dot com.
Q) Like other greats from Sam Cooke to Vernon Garrett, you starting singing gospel.
How did you become a blues man?
I had been loving and following Blues all my life. I met a guy one day and he told me if I
would sing the blues he would give me a certain amount of money so I started singing
the blues it was as simple as that.
Q) Was anyone else in your family a musician?
No
Q) When did you first record?
In 1965
Q) Growing up in Chicago whom many call the "home of the blues", you must've played
with a lot of big names over the years? Who had an impact on your career?
Other entertainers that most impacted my career were Little Milton, Bobby Bland, BB
King, Albert King and Little Jr. Parker. Travis Haddix for the great writing he has done for
me.
Q) In 1977 you scored a huge hit with "Leanin' Tree." Why was there no full LP until
1985's "Blues Boy" on Ronn?
I was with a small company at that time.
Q) You signed with Ichiban in 1987. Your six records for the label are the best to come
from that label. The sound is clean and full. When did you start producing your own
music?
In the early 80s when I first recorded with Jewel Records.

Otis Clay, Artie White by Jennifer Wheeler

Q) Little Milton played a large part in making the cd "Thangs Got To Change" such a
success. You and Milton were longtime friends. Did you get a chance to talk to him
recently before he died?
Yes, I spoke with him the same day he became ill.
Q) Are you proud of the work you did for the label? Do you have a favorite record you've
done?
Yes I am. My favorite record I’ve done would be “I Need Someone” and there are many
other favorites of mine.
Q) How did you hook up with Waldoxy?
I was familiar with the label and I stopped there on one of my trips South and spoke with
Tommy Couch Jr. I left several albums with him and I was called later to join the label. I
am very proud of the work I did there.
Q) you cut three acclaimed CDs for the label. How come you didn't re-sign with them?
The label was cutting back and making some changes and I needed to continue with my
music therefore while I was waiting I decided to do something for myself. There may be
another Waldoxy CD in my future.
Q) You started your own label called A Chill Town and continued to produce full-bodied
soul/blues with real musicians. "Can't Get Enough", which I consider to be one of your
best was the first on your label. You then did two sturdy blues CDs. Why didn't you cut
costs and use programming and synths instead of real musicians since that's the norm
today?
I wanted to continue to produce the real blues sound that can best be accomplished with
real musicians I always try to give the best possible product to my fans who I appreciate
very much. Quality is very important to me.
Q) I noticed on your new record "Package Deal" you enlisted the help of Walter Wells
and you've added some more Southern Soul to the mix. The title track is a definite hit.
"Chinese Shuffle" is one heckuva dance tune, but what is the "Chinese Shuffle"?
It is the blues version of the electric slide as only blues lovers can do it.
Q) One of the finest cuts is the hard blues shuffle "Bag Lady" written by Travis Haddix.
In fact one of the major sources of strong material on all your albums is from Haddix.
How did this friendship begin?
I was playing Cleveland in 1986 and I included him on my show and we became friends.
Q) I understand you and Travis had a recording session recently. Will that material see
the light of day?
Yes it definitely will.
Q) Chico Banks plays some mean guitar on "Package Deal". Did you use members of
the Machine Company on this one?
No
Q) Will you be doing some live dates to support the new record?
Yes I will.
Q) How do you feel about the state of the blues today?
The Blues is here to stay however it does not get adequate amount air play.
Artie and Koko Taylor, Kingston Mines, Chicago, IL. September 2006

Q) You have a loyal following who will always buy your records, but has doing it all
yourself with A Chill Town a drawback or a blessing?
Both. It is a drawback because of budget constraints being a small company. It is a
blessing in that I am able to continue to produce music that I love for my loyal fans.
Q) What is the secret of Artie 'Blues Boy' White's success?
Loving what I do, putting God first, lots of hard work, support from people such as
yourself, and most of all being blessed with opportunities and loyal fans. I thank God for
my success.
==
L to R Charles Wilson, Shorty Mack, Bobby Jonz, Otis Clay, Garland Green, Artie White by
Jennifer Wheeler

==
ALBUMS
Blues Boy Ronn Records 1985
Nothing Takes The Place Of You Ichiban Records 1987
Where It's At Ichiban Records 1988
Thangs Got To Change Ichiban Records 1989
Tired Of Sneaking Around Ichiban Records 1990
Dark End Of The Street Ichiban Records 1990
The Best Of Artie White Ichiban Records 1991
Hit And Run Ichiban Records 1992
Different Shades Of Blue Waldoxy Records 1994
Back Home to Clarksdale: A Tribute to Muddy Waters Waldoxy Records 1997
Home Tonight Waldoxy Records 1997
Can We Get Together Waldoxy Records 2000
Can't Get Enough Achilltown 2002
American Roots: Blues Ichiban Records 2002
Blues In The Past Achilltown 2003
First Thing Tuesday Morning Blues Boy 2004
Package Deal Achilltown 2005
With Otis Clay on his 71st Birthday Ann., 2008 Chicago Blues Festival 2006

On Stage with Koko’s Blues Machine 2006

Artie “Blues Boy” White. R.I.P. April 16, 1937 – April 20, 2013
Artie Blues Boy White By Linda Cain for chicagobluesguide dot com
Photos: Jennifer Noble
Soul blues singer Artie “Blues Boy”
White, known for hits like “Leanin’
Tree” and “Don’t Pet My Dog,” passed
away at age 76 after a long battle with
Parkinson’s disease.
A native of Vicksburg, Mississippi,
White’s singing career began as a
youth in church, with the Harps of
David. In 1956, he moved to Chicago,
where he sang with the Full Gospel
Wonders.
By the 1960s, White was encouraged
to use his big, soulful, emotive voice
for singing the blues. He recorded with
various indie labels over two decades
and had a hit on the R&B charts in
1977 with “Leanin’ Tree,” on the Altee
label, a song penned by Chicago
tunesmith Bob Jones.
White enjoyed a nice career on the
club and concert circuit thanks to that
record, along with a few popular single
releases on the Jewel label.

Close up By Linda Cain

White also ran a blues club, Bootsy’s Lounge, for a time. In 1985 he recorded an LP for
Shreveport’s Ronn Records titled Blues Boy, a name which became part of his stage
moniker.
In 1987, Artie “Blues Boy” White signed with Ichiban for a six album run of soul blues.
Labelmate Travis Haddix and Chicago’s Bob Jones wrote many songs for White’s
Ichiban releases.
 Artie "Blues Boy" White in the VIP section at
Chicago Blues Fest

The sharp-dressed singer continued to

record and perform internationally
through the decades and into the new
milliennium. White headlined at the 2000
Chicago Blues Festival. In 2001, he
released “I Can’t Get Enough” on the
Achilltown label.

Artie White, Buddy Guy, Carl Weathersby on stage in Millennium Park

On July 20, 2008, White was one of the performers called upon to honor Buddy Guy for
his induction as the first Great Performer of Illinois, during a blues star-studded outdoor
concert in Millennium Park. Although White had recently recovered from a six week
hospital stay, he was able to perform briefly on the outdoor stage and later at the club
Legends for a CD release party for Buddy.
Artie White & Carl Weathersby at Legends

Dressed to the nines in a yellow suit, laden with

bling fit for a rapper, White explained that the
doctor told him he’d never sing again. The singer
set out to prove them wrong as he bravely sang
a couple numbers, backed by Carl Weathersby
and the Matthew Skoller Band at Buddy's club.
Throughout his career, White performed with
legends like B.B. King, Koko Taylor, Aretha
Franklin, Bobby “Blue” Bland, James Brown,
Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Johnnie Taylor, Little
Milton, Bobby Rush, Buddy Guy and many more.

==
 By David Whiteis for Malaco
Records.
Artie “Blues Boy” White helped
bridge the gap between the blues of
the postwar era and the
contemporary hybrid soul blues
style.
His thick, vibrato-heavy vocals
reflected his early church roots, and
he always preferred “live”
instrumentation to synthesized
beats and tracks, yet the rhythmic
propulsiveness of his recordings
and the up-to-the-minute sonic
immediacy of their production—to
say nothing of the brawny horn
charts that often accompanied
him—made clear the influence of newer, more soul-oriented stylings.
White was born on April 16, 1937, either in or near the city of Vicksburg, Mississippi. He
sang gospel as a youth, and after moving to Chicago in the mid-1950s, he worked with
such local gospel groups as the Full Gospel Wonders and the Sensational True Lights
(out of Hopewell Baptist Church at 65th and Cottage Grove). But by the time he began
to record in about 1968, he’d crossed over into secular music. His first significant record
was (You Are My) Leanin’ Tree by Chicago songwriter Bob Jones, issued on the ALTee
label in 1977. It peaked at No. 99 on the national R&B charts.
Although he never had another chart single, he recorded and toured consistently until
health problems finally slowed him down. A few of his albums made the national R&B
charts; several of his singles (I’m Gonna Marry My Mother-In-Law from Different Shades
of Blue, his 1994 Malaco/Waldoxy debut; Your Man Is Home Tonight from Home Tonight
in 1997) became popular along the southern soul blues circuit and have since become
standards. His final recording for Malaco/Waldoxy was Can We Get Together in 1999.
Artie White was a family man who took his Christian faith as seriously as he took his
blues; nonetheless, his onstage persona reflected the classic bluesman’s swagger.
Sporting gold chains, he stood loose-limbed at the microphone with a casualness
bordering on arrogance, engaging his audience in ribald repartee; his grainy baritone
croon was shot through with sinewy machismo. The lyric content of his songs often
seemed to confirm his image as a seasoned player, gritty and street-tough, wounded by
love but still cocky and ready to let the good times roll.
In Chicago, White was as well-known for his entrepreneurial spirit as he was for his
music. He operated several nightclubs between the 1970s and early ’90s, and later he
launched his own Achilltown label, on which he released several CDs under his own
name.
Artie White died on Saturday, April 20, 2013, four days after his 76th birthday. He
represented, and continues to represent, a continuum across genres and generations, a
still-vital indication that “keeping the blues alive” in the community where it was born is
more than a fantasy. When his longtime friend Little Milton declared in song that “the
blues is alright . . . and it’s here to stay,” he was simply reaffirming a truth that Artie
exemplified, and which his recorded legacy continues to make clear.
==

Artie, Clarence Stevens, and Koko 2006

==
Artie's wife Bettie White, 2006

==
==
Reviews by soulbluesmusic dot com

Artie Blues Boy White "Blues Boy" (Ronn 1985)

1. Warm Room
2. Leaning Tree
3. I Need Someone
4. Chain of Fools
5. Turned Out
6. Funny How Time Slips Away
7. Jimmie
8. What Pleases You, Pleases Me

*** First long-player by White is outstanding modern soul blues. Here he reprises his
calling card "Leanin' Tree" and does riveting versions of Aretha Franklin's "Chain Of
Fools" and Willie Nelson's "Funny How Time Slips Away". The set opens with a
memorable original by White, "Warm Room". The song "Jimmie" by Little Beaver was
another minor hit for the acclaimed singer. White also excels at Southern Soul as proven
by his flawless reading of ZZ Hill's "I Need Someone" and Bob Jones/Paul Richmond's
"Turned Out" is a terrific disco-fied dancer.

Artie Blues Boy White "Nothing Takes The Place Of You" (Ichiban 1987)

1. Wondering How You Keep Your Man

2. How Could You Do It to Me
3. Lies I Want to Hear
4. All You Got
5. Funny How Time Slips Away
6. Nothing Takes the Place of You
7. Something Good Goin' On
8. Ever Loving Man
9. I Found a Woman
10. I Need Someone

**1/2 First outing for Ichiban Records is only a teaser for better things to come. Here he
reprises two cuts from his Ronn disc (ZZ Hill's "I Need Someone" & the classic "Funny
How Times Slips Away") and gives an understated treatment to Toussaint McCall's
"Nothing Takes The Place Of You". Artie also throws down some fine blues shuffles
("Lies I Want To Hear", "Wonderin' How You Keep Your Man") where he really shines.
There's very few artists like Artie "Blues Boy" White today.
Artie Blues Boy White "Where It's At" (Ichiban 1988)

1. Too Weak to Fight

2. I Dig My Gig
3. One Woman's Man
4. That's Where It's At
5. Love Ain't Been Used
6. Nobody Wants You When You're Old and Gray
7. God Bless Our Love
8. Proud to Be Your Man
9. Day or Two

*** Album number 2 is a slight improvement with Artie co-writing three songs with one of
his favorite writers, Travis Haddix. "I Dig My Gig", "Nobody Wants You When You're Old
And Grey" & "Day Or Two" are all Grade A blues cuts. White adds little to three classics
("God Bless Our Love", "Where It's At" & Clarence Carter's "Too Weak To Fight") but
sings them well . The LP also has one fine original blues by White called "One Woman
Man".

Artie Blues Boy White "Thangs Got To Change" (Ichiban 1989)

1. Thangs Got to Change

2. Rainy Day
3. I Ain't Takin' No Prisoners
4. You Upset Me Baby
5. Thank You, Pretty Baby
6. Hattie Mae
7. I Wonder Why
8. Reconsider Baby
9. Somebody's on My Case

**** Little Milton, an obvious influence on Artie's style, is on board to add guitar and
several songs to this project. Milton's own "Rainy Day", "Thangs Got To Change" &
"Hattie Mae" are all done brilliantly by Artie, Campbell and band. Horn-filled and tight
performances mixed with Artie's urban phrasing. You get a six-piece horn section and
poppin' rhythm backing a real deal blues belter. White is also credited as co-writer on
two more cuts with Milton ("Somebody's On My Case" & "I Wonder Why"). It all sounds
like a great Little Milton meets BB King as sung by Artie White affair. Satisfying! Gotta
love that outfit he's wearing too!
Artie Blues Boy White "Tired Of Sneaking Around" (Ichiban 1990)

1. Today I Started Loving You

2. Thinking About Making a Change
3. Jodie
4. Peeping Tom
5. Tired of Sneaking Around
6. Don't Pet My Dog
7. Can't Get You Off My Mind
8. I Can't Seem to Please You
9. Turn About Is Fair Play
10. Nose to the Grindstone

***** His best album. Travis Haddix is the perfect writer for Artie White. This time there
are five Haddix compositions on this inspired disc ("Jodie", "Thinking About Making A
Change", "Peeping Tom", "Turn About Is Fair Play" & "Nose To The Grindstone").
Another highlight is "Don't Pet My Dog" by Bob Jones. One of the keys to Artie's
success here and further discs is his tight rhythm section named the "Machine
Company" (Larry Williams, Ronnie Hicks, Lester Holmes & Kenny Hampton) and lots of
horns that give the album a big band feel. Because Artie is backed by real musicians
and unadorned production values this disc sounds as contemporary today as it did in
1990. The album also charted #74 on Billboards Top 100 R & B Albums Chart.

Artie Blues Boy White "Dark End Of The Street" (Ichiban 1991)

1 Tore Up
2 Clock Don't Tick
3 Nite Before Pay Day
4 Not In The Begging Business
5 Somebody Changed My Sweet Baby's Mind
6 The Dark End Of The Street
7 Hit The Nail On The Head
8 I Intend To Take Your Place
9 Darlin' You Know I Love You
10 I'm Mean

***1/2 Solid follow up to "Sneaking Around" features more crisp, brassy blues sung
masterfully by White. This time he does ripping covers of "Tore Up" and BB King's
"Darlin' You Know I Love You". Once again the albums best moments come via the pen
of Travis Haddix. The comical "Nite Before Payday" has White complaining he only gets
lovin' from his woman the "nite before payday". On "I'm Mean" White says he's so bad
that if he and a bear were scrapping you better help the bear! Another frequent
contributor Bob Jones offers "Clock Don't Tick". This album also charted #95 on
Billboards Top 100 R & B Albums Chart.
Artie Blues Boy White "The Best Of Artie White" (Ichiban 1991)

1. Today I Started Loving You Again

2. Nothing Takes the Place of You
3. Tore Up
4. Tired of Sneaking Around
5. Jodie
6. Dark End of the Street
7. That's Where It's At
8. Nobody Wants You When You're Old and Gray
9. Funny How Time Slips Away
10. Hattie Mae
11. Thangs Got to Change

*** This twelve song compilation of White's Ichiban material really isn't the "Best Of".
This collection concentrates too much on his pleasant readings of classic soul songs like
"Dark End Of The Street" rather than the terrific original blues nuggets (mostly by
Haddix) that adorn his catalog. We get a few solid blues cuts like "Jodie" & "Hattie Mae"
but this just doesn't live up to the record's title. For a better sampler of White's Ichiban
material see "American Roots: Blues".

Artie Blues Boy White "Hit And Run" (Ichiban 1992)

1. Doctor, Doctor
2. Hit and Run
3. Nothing But The Blues
4. You Left Me Standing
5. Bad Luck Child
6. I'm Glad You Gone
7. Just Getting In
8. You Build My Hopes So High
9. Mr. Mailman
10. I'm A Lonely Man

**** Final album for Ichiban Records is another winner once again punctuated by the
Machine Co.'s rhythm section and great songs by Haddix, Little Milton, Bob Jones and
White himself. Highlights include the title track (Jones), "Doctor Doctor" (Haddix), which
was later covered by Charles Wilson and White's own tender "I'm A Lonely Man". Once
again the sound is crisp and timeless. The epitome of urban blues- horns, bass, throaty
singing and style. Of the many artists on Ichiban's label in the 80s & 90s Artie White's
discs stand out the most.
Artie Blues Boy White "Different Shades Of Blue" (Waldoxy 1994)

1. I'm Gonna Marry My Mother-In-Law

2. Hot Wired My Heart
3. There's Nothing I Wouldn't Do
4. When You Took Your Love from Me
5. Willie Mae Don't Play
6. I've Been Shackin'
7. Did Alright by Myself
8. Ain't Nothing You Can Do
9. I'd Rather Be Blind, Crippled and Crazy
10. All in the Open Now

*** White is now on Waldoxy and is served more excellent material by great writers like
George Jackson ("I've Been Shackin;", "Hot Wired My Heart" & "All In The Open Now"),
Bob Johnson & Sam Mosley ("Did Alright By Myself") and John Ward, who later started
his own label Ecko Records. In fact the two highest of the highlights are his, the funky
"Willie Mae Don't Play" & the risque' "I'm Gonna Marry My Mother-In-Law"- both of which
got some airplay. Artie's mother-in-law fixes the food he wants to eat, rubs his aching
back, does all the things his wife apparently does not do. So much for the evil in-law
premise!

Artie Blues Boy White "Home Tonight" (Waldoxy 1997)

1. Your Man Is Home Tonight

2. Somebody's Fool
3. Man of the House
4. If You Don't Love Me
5. Black Cat Scratchin'
6. High Steppin' Mama
7. More You Lie to Me, The
8. Second Chance
9. Feet Must Be Tired
10. One Step from the Blues

*** Another solid outing with Roger Troutman's "Your Man Is Home Tonight", Travis
Haddix' "Man Of The House", Percy Strother's "If You Don't Love Me" & more...On the
humorous "Black Cat Scratchin'" Artie gets laid off from his job and suddenly he hears
something scratchin' on his window every morning. She says it's a just an alley cat but
this "cat" wears a size thirteen shoe and is six feet tall.... that's "awful strange". Another
bonus is Bobby Rush joins Artie to play some blues harp on "The More You Lie To Me".
Artie Blues Boy White "Can We Get Together" (Waldoxy 1999)

1. Can We Get Together

2. How Long
3. When You Leave Don't Take Nothin
4. I Can't Afford to Be Broke
5. Lonely Lady
6. Back at the Hotel
7. Made to Order
8. My Dessert
9. No More
10. One More Time

**** 3rd for Waldoxy and overall his 10th album of new material in 15 years and he's yet
to put out a poor one! The album kicks off with a White original, the southern soul head-
bobber "Can We Get Together" followed by the slow blues "How Long" (Mosley &
Johnson). We also get three fine tunes from guitarist Chico Banks who has been a major
ingredient on many Waldoxy projects. He contributes "When You Leave Don't Take
Nothin'", "Back At The Hotel" & "One More Time". White has been Mr. Consistency in
the soul/blues realm. His fantastic vocals remind one of B.B. King mixed with Little
Milton. Great singing, clean production & quality songs characterize this release like the
upbeat horn-soaked soul numbers "I Can't Afford To Be Broke" & "Back At The Hotel" to
the slow blues gems "When You Leave Don't Take Nothin'" & "One More Time".
Especially noteworthy is Artie's version of a song by Travis "Moonchild" Haddix called
"Made To Order" with the humorous refrain "I got my axesaw and some lumber/gonna
be a busy man tonight/I'm gonna build myself a woman/one that's gonna treat me right".

Artie Blues Boy White "American Roots: Blues" (Ichiban 2002)

1. I Dig My Gig
2. One Woman Man
3. Jodie
4. Turn About Is Fair Play
5. Nose to the Grind Stone
6. Clock Don't Tick
7. Nite Before Pay Day
8. I'm Mean
9. Nobody Wants You When You Are Old & Gray
10. Hattie Mae
11. Doctor, Doctor
12. Hit and Run
13. You Left Me Standing
14. Bad Luck Child

****1/2 This "best of" CD of Artie "Blues Boy" White is superior to the first one issue by
Ichiban back in 1991, which concentrated too much on Artie's covers of classic soul
ballads. This 14-song collection from Artie's 6 Ichiban albums concentrates on BLUES!
Songs include "Jodie", "Turn About Is Fair Play", "Hattie Mae", "I Dig My Gig", "Nite
Before Payday", "Mr. Mailman", "One Woman Man", "Nobody Wants You When You're
Old & Grey", "Nose To The Grindstone", etc.....B.B. King fans should pick this up.

Artie Blues Boy White "Can't Get Enough" (A Chill Town 2002)

1. Can't Get Enough

2. Not The Same Person
3. Love You Don't Know About
4. I'm Crazy About You Baby
5. My Best Friend
6. Monkey Dog 2000
7. Trap
8. I've Been Down So Long
9. Adorable One
10. I'll Make It Better

**** Rather than resign with Malaco/Waldoxy Artie opted to start his own label, A Chill
Town. The horns are real- not synthesized and the song selection is superb, as is Artie's
singing. "Can't Get Enough", "Love You Don't Know About" & "Crazy About My Baby"
are delicious upbeat southern soul. "Not The Same Person", containing one of the best
vocals of Artie's career, is dedicated to the late great Johnnie Taylor. Other highlights
include the masterful "My Best Friend", a slow blues with Artie complaining that his best
friend, a man he "ate barbeque out the same plate" with, has stolen his wife, his woman
and now is after his girlfriend!. Once again special praise must be given to Artie's band.
Ronnie Hicks & The Machine Company Band as well as a full horn section provide
energetic rhythm and sharp solos. Ronnie Hicks leads the band from the keyboards,
Greg Miller is on the lead and rhythm guitar, and the foundation is laid down by drummer
Lester Holmes and bassman Kenny Hampton. On the horns are: horn arranger Willie
Henderson on the baritone saxophone; Sonny Seals on the alto and tenor saxes; Hank
Ford also on tenor sax; Billy McFarland on the trombone; and trumpeters Ken Anderson,
Steve Hawkins, Burgess Garder, and Paul Howard. Chico Banks plays some mean
guitar on "My Best Friend" and "I've Been Down So Long".

Artie Blues Boy White "Blues In The Past" (A Chill Town 2003)

1. Breaking Up Somebody Home

2. Somebody Loan Me A Dime
3. Hard Luck Blues
4. Make My Get Away
5. I Don't Know
6. Jawbreaker
7. I'm A Man
8. Woke Up This Morning
9. Woman Lied
10. Blues Shadow Falling
11. We gonna Make It
**1/2 Yes, he is Artie "BLUESBOY" White and he can always be counted on for real
blues & soul played on actual instruments by actual humans (a great relief from the
machine programmed production that most artists rely on). This is now his second
independently released CD on his own Achilltown label. While "Can't Get Enough" was
heavy on "soul blues" with plenty of horns, "Blues In The Past" is all blues- mostly
Chicago-style. Only "We're Gonna Make It" & the fantastic lead cut "Breaking Up
Somebody's Home" would classify as "soul blues" (the only cut with horns). Of the many
remakes of this classic Ann Peebles song, perhaps only Albert King has done a better
version! Artie's phrasing and vocal inflections add something to what could have been a
hoary cover. Other highlights include two classics by Fenton Robinson ("Somebody
Loan Me A Dime", "Make My Get Away") that Artie tears into brilliantly as does the band
(someone named "Max" plays a mean guitar on all the tracks). Perhaps the ace on the
hole is one of two cuts from one of the best and most under-appreciated blues writers
(and performers) in the business, Travis Haddix. Artie does a great version of his cheeky
"Jawbreaker". The album does contain a couple cuts that come across rather routine ("I
Don't Know", "I'm A Man (Mannish Boy)"). It would have been nice if Artie made them
more his own as he did with other tunes.

Artie White Lee Shot Williams Cicero Blake "Chicago Deep" (P-Vine 2003)

1. Warm Room
2. Leaning Tree
3. I Need Someone
4. Chain of Fools
5. Turned Out
6. Funny, How Time Slips Away
7. Jimmie
8. What Please You, Please Me
9. Checkin' Out - Lee Shot Williams
10. Baby Baby - Lee Shot Williams
11. Dip My Dipper - Cicero Blake
12. Be Good to Me - Cicero Blake

N/R Lopsided collection of material recorded for Ronn Records. The 12-track disc
comprises the full "Blues Boy" LP by Artie White plus two tracks each from Lee Shot
Williams and Cicero Blake. This would have been more interesting had there been more
tracks and more balance. You're better off with the full albums.
Artie Blues Boy White "First Thing Tuesday Morning" (A Chill Town 2004)

1. Love to See You Smile

2. First Thing Tuesday Morning
3. Man Down There, A
4. Trying to Hoodoo Me
5. She Hit Me from the Blind Side
6. I Promise
7. Crosscut
8. You, You
9. Crush on My Next Door Neighbor
10. Jodie

*** This is now the 13th album by Artie "Blues Boy" White and the third release on "A
Chill Town" (his own label) following last year's all blues "Blues In The Past". The new
"Tuesday Morning" brings back horns to his brand of soul blues. The well-suited formula
for Artie's throaty chops is here despite the somewhat diminished production values (not
as crisp and clean as his first Chilltown release, "Can't Get Enough"). You got horn-
fueled toe-tappers like "You, You", "I Love To See You Smile" (a Bobby Blue Bland hit
from the late 70s) & "She Hit Me From The Blind Side" and you got B.B. King-like deep
blues via Artie's favorite writer- and one of the best in the business- Travis Haddix. Artie
brilliantly covers the Haddix classic "Strange" (re-titled "Trying To Hoodoo Me" here),
"First Thing Tuesday Morning", which was featured on Travis own disc last year
("Company Is Coming"- a brilliant cd if you can find it), and "Crush On My Next Door
Neighbor". These three blues cuts are the highlight of the disc and makes me wonder
why Artie doesn't do an album's worth of Haddix originals. Also included is an adequate
take on Albert King's 1983 remake of "Crosscut Saw" in which King and the band
changed the rhythm- Artie even adds a paraphrase on King's banter with the band
during the bridge!. Another keeper is the lovely soul ballad "I Promise". Artie's last two
releases do contain too many covers and muddier production. I'd love to see Artie sign
with a bigger label again and benefit from a higher budget and more exposure.

Artie Blues Boy White "Package Deal" (A Chill Town 2005)

1 - Chinese Shuffle
2 - Third Party
3 - Package Deal
4 - Breakfast on The table
5 - Bag Lady
6 - How Long Can This Go On
7 - Can't Watch A Pussycat
8 - When Leave Don't Take Noting
9 - Truck Load of Loving
10 - I Make A Mistake

*** Little Milton, Bobby "Blue" Bland and Artie "Blues Boy" White have been the big three
when it comes to genuine soul/blues music for quite some time- that is, the few that still
use live musicians. Little Milton has left us and BBB records sparingly so Artie's carrying
the torch now. This is his fourth album in as many years and it's a faithful mix of
Southern Soul and soulful blues. The 10-song set leads off with a shuffle-bumping
dancer called "Chinese Shuffle", the most overtly commercial track Artie's done in quite
some time. Written by co-producer Walter Wells, it has serious hit potential- especially in
Southern juke joints. Wells wrote 4 more tracks, including the swingin' "Can't Watch A
Pussycat" and "Package Deal", a tasty slice of Southern Soul on the upbeat. It features
synth horns- a rarity for an Artie album but seemingly essential for radio play in the
chittlin circuit. The best cut is Travis Haddix's (erroneously printed as "Travel Hattie")
"Bag Lady", a hard blues shuffle with some tart guitar licks by Chico Banks, a shining
star on most "Blues Boy" albums. Blues is Artie's habitat but he can sing deep soul too
on the tragic "Breakfast On The Table", a Don Bryant song previously done by Otis Clay
(correct title is "I Can't Take It"). More meaty blues is found on "How Long Has This
Been Going On" and "When You Leave Don't Take Nothing", both by Sam Mosley and
lifted from the 1999 Waldoxy disc "Can We Get Together". There's also a staunch take
on Albert King's muscular "Truckload Of Loving". It must be noted the sound and
production is cleaner and fuller on "Package Deal" than his last two discs and that's a
bonus..
Visit www.artiewhite.com to grab a copy.
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