Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
One of the first vocalists in Ike Turner’s Kings Of Rhythm, Dennis Binder cut some of the most memorable sides that Ike ever had the pleasure of playing his impossibly deranged gut-bucket guitar on, and—with A-1 vocalists such as Billy Gayles and Clayton Love also in the stable—that, my dear readers, is truly saying something.
Binder’s sides, recorded not long after The Kings formed in Clarksdale, Mississippi, were utterly unforgettable: “Early Times,” “You Got Me Way Down Here,” “Nobody Wants Me,” “I Miss You So,” “She’s Somethin’ Else” and the classic narrative “Long Man Blues.”
- Ira Padnos
Discography
- United recordings reissued on Delmark CD- DD-717 Long Man Blues
- Modern recordings reissued on Ace Records CHD 553 as Ike Turner & The Kings of Rhythm Rhythm Rockin Blues
- Live at the Music Hall Medicine Park, Oklahoma OJack Records CD (2002)
- Live at Jiggs Dennis Binder & the Generation Blue Band - OJack Records CD
- Rockabilly Blues OJack Records CD (fall 2005 release)
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Dennis Binder has been an active member of the blues community for over fifty years. He was born in Rosedale, Mississippi, on November 18, 1928, and took an interest in music very early in life. Dennis recalls spending time as a child singing with his mother and two aunts in their Baptist Church near Rosedale, Mississippi. After church the children and their parents would attend prayer meetings or revivals, and often go to a juke joint or social gathering where music was central. Dennis interest in the piano, and in turn the blues, also began as a child. Although a self-taught musician, he was introduced to both the piano and the blues by a female impersonator by the name of Toots, who sat Dennis on his knee while he played blues piano in the St. Louis style.
As a young man Dennis refined his technique and knowledge of music in Chicago, where he moved to live with his father. Determined to become a professional musician, he began to hang around Chess Records studio, and eventually recorded four songs for the label (none of which was released). In 1951 and 1953 Dennis recorded for Sam Phillips at Sun Records. In 1954 he recorded in Clarksdale on recordings that Ike Turner set up for Modern Records, which were released under Ikes name as leader, although Dennis was the featured vocalist and arranger. Other recording credits include recording with United Records in Chicago, recording at the famous Norman Petty Studios in Texas, featuring Buddy Holly and Tommy Allup, and in later years at Benson Studio in Oklahoma City. Signature songs include The Long Man, Shes Sumpin Else, Crawdad Song, Let Me Love You One More Time, and Take Us As We Are.
Dennis continues to record, with an upcoming release planned on Chicagos Earwig Music Company. He also tours successfully throughout the United States, and internationally as well, with recent tours in Europe and Thailand.
Recent Performances
Blues Estafette, Utrecht, the Netherlands
Toledo Ohio Blues Festival
Buddy Guys Legends - Chicago
Delta Music Experience Riverboat Cruise
Mystic Knights of the Mau Mau Ponderosa Stomp 2004 & 2005, New Orleans
Tour of British Columbia, Canada clubs
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