Little Son Joe

Ernest Lawlars, known by his stage name Little Son Joe, was a notable figure in the American blues scene. Born on May 18, 1900, in Hughes, Arkansas, he grew up in a time and place where the blues genre was flourishing. His early years were marked by a move to Memphis, where he worked alongside Robert Wilkins, a prominent blues musician of the time. Although he recorded his first side in 1935, it was never issued.

Little Son Joe’s career took a significant turn when he moved to Chicago. By 1939, he had not only found work in the vibrant blues community there but also married the renowned blues singer Memphis Minnie. Their partnership was both personal and professional, with their first recording session together yielding several tracks. While he did record under his own name, Little Son Joe was primarily known for his role as an accompanist to his wife.

One of his notable achievements was the hit “Black Rat Swing” in 1942, which he recorded under the moniker “Mr. Memphis Minnie.” Despite this success, Little Son Joe’s career was not long-lived. By the late 1950s, his health began to decline, leading him to retire from music. He did, however, continue to perform occasionally with Memphis Minnie, including a regular Saturday night gig at the Red Light in Millington, Tennessee.

Little Son Joe’s life came to an end on November 14, 1961, in Memphis, Tennessee, where he passed away due to heart disease. His legacy lives on through the music he left behind, capturing the essence of the blues and the spirit of a bygone era. He was laid to rest in New Hope Cemetery in Walls, Mississippi, leaving behind a rich musical heritage that continues to influence blues artists to this day.