Sept. 5: Louis Myers, guitarist, vocalist and founder of The Aces, died on this day in 1994...

... He was 64 when he died from a heart attack.

The Aces - not to be confused with the Four Aces or the Rhythm Aces-  were one of the earliest and most influential of the electric Chicago blues band in the 1950's. Born Byhalia, Mississippi, Louis' family moved to Chicago in 1941 when he was seven. Their new next door neighbor was blues great Lonnie Johnson, who was a huge inspiration to Louis.


Myers started out playing at house-parties before he and his brother David on guitar, and young harpist Junior Wells to form the Three Deuces (the first line-up of the Aces.)

In 1950, drummer Fred Below came on board. In 1952 Junior left to play with Muddy Waters and Muddy's harpist Little Walter moved into the front man role with the Aces, renaming them the Jukes to capitalize on his current hit single "Juke."


Louis and the Aces backed Little Walter on "Mean Old World," "Sad Hours," "Off the Wall," and "Tell Me Mama" and at New York's Apollo Theatre before Louis left in 1954. This resulted in the Jukes' gradual break up, but freeing them reform again as The Aces to back acts such as Otis Rush, Earl Hooker among others.

During the '60s, '70s and '80s the Aces reunited on many occasions for recordings, tours, festivals and visited Europe, as well as following their separate careers. Sadly Louis was hampered by the effects of a stroke while recording his last album 1991's Tell My Story Movin'. He courageously completed the disc but was limited to playing harp only. His health soon took a turn for the worse, ending his distinguished musical career.

Press links below to view You Tube videos:
-- "Take A Little Walk With Me"
-- "Just Whaling"
-- "Chicago Blues legend Dave Myers performing in his living room"