| Genres: |
Blues
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| Descriptive "tags": |
blues • vocal • rhythm and blues • rock n roll • chicago blues • under 2000 listeners
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| Decades Active: |
1970s
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1980s
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1990s
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2000s
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Biography
Joseph Pleasant, 20 December 1907, Wallace, Louisiana, USA, d. 2 October 1989, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. Also known as Cousin Joe Pleasant, Brother Joshua and Smilin’ Joe. Cousin Joe began singing at an early age, playing the ukulele at sporting events and around the gambling joints and brothels of the Crescent City. His professional career started around 1930 with the formation of his band, the Jazz Jesters. After teaching himself to play the piano, he was associated with several local orchestras (with Armand Piron, Harold Dejan and Joseph Robichaux) as well as leading his own Smilin’ Joe’s Blues Trio. In 1942 Joe decided to try his luck in New York. His recording career began in 1945 with Mezz Mezzrow’s King Jazz label, and he went on to record for Philo/Aladdin, Savoy Records, Gotham, DeLuxe, Signature, Decca Records, Flip and Imperial Records between 1945 and 1954. In the 60s and 70s, Joe became a favourite at US and European jazz and...
Read the Full Biography of Cousin Joe
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