Jimmie Stagger’s blues odyssey began in 1965 when he bought his first guitar. After gigging with various local bands for a few years, Jimmie founded the Wealthy Street Sheiks in 1970. Dedicated to the performance and preservation of the old time "back porch†and “juke joint†styles, the Sheiks ripped it up with their bawdy antics. Jimmie’s accompaniment of Bukka White highlighted the Sheiks appearance at the first Grand Valley Blues Festival (1972).Late in 1972, Jimmie formed a musical partnership with the legendary guitarist and songwriter Frank Salamone. It was during this time that Jimmie met the string-band blues master Carl Martin. Carl encouraged Jimmie to develop his talents on the mandolin, fiddle and bottleneck guitar. Carl so enjoyed Jimmie’s playing that he invited him on stage with him at The Ark in Ann Arbor, Michigan and at the National Folk Festival (1976) in Washington, DC.After returning to his original love of the electric guitar, and honing his chops in local bar bands, Jimmie said, “enough is enough,†and established the Jimmie Stagger Band in 1980.Since then there has been no turning back! Currently, the stripped down three piece line up allows Stagger’s guitar prowess to shine through loud and clear. With a big, rich voice reminiscent of Jimmy Thackery but with an elasticity that makes it far more expressive, Stagger is a compelling storyteller who makes you feel his pain and share his joy.Jimmie's growing list of accomplishments includes receiving the esteemed 'Jammie' award for The Triumphant Return Of Slim Jim as the Best Local Blues CD from WYCE public radio in 2002.As a community leader, Stagger contributes much of his time honoring his commitment to support several charities of the West Michigan area including Toys-For-Tots, God's Kitchen, Children's Christian Charities and Hospice of Michigan. Support for non-profit organizations such as the West Michigan Blues Society and WYCE public radio has also helped to raise funding to support concerts and special events for the area.Seen at many festivals and special events, this act is not one to be missed!See complete schedule at myspace.com/jimmiestaggerband or jimmiestaggerband.com
