Joe McCoy with wife, Memphis Minnie

"Kansas" Joe McCoy Born: 1905 Died: 1950

Often remembered now as the husband of Memphis Minnie, Joe McCoy was a very influential and successful musician for two decades.  Often refered to now as "Kansas Joe" his life had very little to do with the state of Kansas.  Born in Jackson, Mississippi, Joe played local picnics and events, often with his brother Charlie "Papa Charlie" McCoy.

Sometime in the mid-1920s McCoy moved to Memphis to join the burgeoning blues scene there.  He played with Jed Davenport's "Beale Street Jug Band" as well as duets with local star Memphis Minnie.  In 1929 Joe and Minnie had a hit with the tune "Bumble Bee".  The two became romantically involved and married before moving to Chicago to record for the Vocalion label.  At the time the couple recorded "Bumble Bee" Joe McCoy was billing himself as "Kansas Joe".  Historically this name has stuck, but he went by many names including Hillbilly Plowboy, Mud Dauber Joe, Hamfoot Ham, Big Joe, the Georgia Pine Boy and Hallelujah Joe.

Joe and Minnie ceased to record with each other, and divorced around 1935.  Joe immediately formed a new and successful band in Chicago named the "Harlem Hamfats".  The band which included his brother Charlie recorded 75 sides for Decca Records in a four year period from 1936-39.  When that band broke up in 1940 Joe formed other groups including "Big Joe and his Washboard Band" which included Robert Nighthawk and "Big Joe's Rhythm". 

By 1945 his most successful days were behind him.  Tragically, in 1950 he and his brother Charlie both died from heart disease.  Both brothers are buried at Restvale Cemetery in Alsip, Illinois.  At the time of his death Joe McCoy was 44 years old.