John Brim
John Brim may be best-known for writing and cutting the original "Ice Cream Man" that David Lee Roth and Van Halen covered on their first album. That's a pity, for the seriously under-recorded Brim made some exceptionally hard-nosed waxings.
Brim picked up his early guitar licks from the 78s of Tampa Red and Big Bill Broonzy before venturing first to Indianapolis in 1941 and Chicago four years later. He met his wife Grace in 1947; fortuitously, she was a capable drummer who played on several of John's records. In fact, she was the vocalist on a 1950 single for Detroit-based Fortune Records that signaled the beginning of her hubby's discography.
John recorded for Random, JOB, Al Benson's Parrot logo (the socially aware "Tough Times"), and Chess ("Rattlesnake," his answer to Big Mama Thornton's "Hound Dog," was pulled from the shelves by Chess for fear of a plagiarism suit). Cut in 1953, the suggestive "Ice Cream Man" had to wait until 1969 to enjoy a very belated release. Brim's last Chess single, "I Would Hate to See You Go," was waxed in 1956 with a stellar combo consisting of harpist Little Walter, guitarist Robert Jr. Lockwood, bassist Willie Dixon, and drummer Fred Below (clearly, Chess had high hopes for Brim, but to no avail).
After a hiatus of a few decades, Brim made a welcome return to studio action with a set for Tone-Cool Records, The Ice Cream Man. Brim, who lived in Gary, IN, remained active on the Chicago blues scene until his passing on October 1, 2003 at the age of 81.
© Bill Dahl /TiVo
Discography
8 album(s) • Sorted by Bestseller
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Jake's Blues
Blues - Released by Anna Bea Records on Jan. 1, 2001
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Golden Selection (Remastered)
Blues - Released by Master Tape Records on Oct. 9, 2020
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Chicago Blues Session Volume 12
Blues - Released by Wolf Records on Jun. 17, 1998
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
1950-1953
Blues - Released by Classics Blues & Rhythm Series on Aug. 4, 2008
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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Whose Muddy Shoes (Hd Remastered)
Blues - Released by Reborn recordings on May 8, 2019
24-Bit 48.0 kHz - Stereo -
John Brim Blues
Blues - Released by Milestones Records on May 8, 2021
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo