Percy Mayfield

Percy Mayfield was one of the finest blues songwriters of the postwar era, known as 'The Poet of the Blues' for his literate, melancholic compositions. His 1950 recording of 'Please Send Me Someone to Love' for Specialty Records was a number one R&B hit and established him as a major artist. A devastating car accident in 1952 disfigured his face and curtailed his performing career, but he continued writing prolifically. He became Ray Charles's primary songwriter, penning 'Hit the Road Jack,' 'At the Club,' and 'Danger Zone.' His own recordings for Specialty, Chess, Atlantic, and Tangerine are models of sophisticated blues songcraft.