Smokehouse And Mamie Porter
Smokehouse Porter was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the home of such greats as Slim Harpo, Lightening slim, Arthur Guitar kelly, Silas Hogan and many more.
His first encounter with the blues that he can remember was at about 9 years old when he heard a friend of the family playing guitar and singing the blues. He was so impressed that he knew that the blues would always be apart of him.
In the late seventies and early eighties Smokehouse hooked up with Baton Rouge legendary blues man, W.W. Woolfolk. Woolfolk in earlier years was the drummer for another Baton Rouge legend Lightening Slim. Playing with Woolfolk exposed Smokehouse to other icons such as Raful Neal, Silas Hogan, Henry Gray, Clarence Edwards, Mose "Whispering" Smith, Rocking Tabby Thomas and Arthur "Guitar" Kelly who later became like a surrogate father and mentor to him.
Through his association with Arthur "Guitar" Kelly and Silas Hogan he learned what he refers to as the "Gutbucket Blues", and the "Gutbucket Blues" is blues that hits you deep down in the gut. It's blues with a feeling, blues that tell a story, it's a combination of Swamp and Mississippi Delta Blues.
In the mid eighties Smokehouse was on the scene doing his own thang referring back to all the things that he had learned from his mentors. With his deep hoarse voice he redefined the term "Gutbucket Blues". Playing gigs in and around the Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Alabama area he became known as the King of the Gutbucket Blues.
In the late eighties Smokehouse joined forces with Ms. Mamie formerly known as Mamie Bennett also of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Like many other Jazz and Blues artist, Mamie began her singing career in a southern Baptist church at the tender age of 10. Mamie's father was a blues harmonica player who enjoyed listening to Howling Wolf and Muddy Waters. His interest in the blues greatly influenced her.
In the early seventies Mamie spent several years in Chicago on the R&B scene singing with local groups. They did private functions and open for well known acts such as Sil Johnson. She returned to Baton Rouge in the late eighties, and met her husband "Smokehouse Porter" who was very active on the local blues scene. Encouraged by Smokehouse and the legendary W.W Woolfolk, she began singing the blues. Her first experience fronting a blues band was at "Tabby's Blues Box". Her super dynamic tonality seasoned with a taste of Mississippi Delta / Louisiana Swamp flavor, allowed her to fall right in place with Smokehouse and the "Gutbucket Blues Band".
Mamie is a true blues woman. She sings with a feeling that can be felt deep down in the inner soul leaving a lasting impression. Her song writing skills and stage presence are second to none.
Her songs express good times, hard times, ups and downs. Her lyrics tell a story that's not hard to identify with.
Smokehouse and Mamie Porter have had the opportunity to play many different venues such as "The Wilderness Festival", "The Full Moon Festival of Blues at Hemingbough", "Zachary's National Motor Cycle Rally", "LSU State University", North Western State University", "The Robert Johnson First Annual Blues Festival" in Greenwood Mississippi, Baton Rouge's Fest For All and many more.
They consider themselves blessed to have been on shows with such greats as Big Luther Kent, Kenny Acosta, Raful Neal, Silas Hogan, Arthur "Guitar" Kelly, Henry Gray, Rockin Tabby Thomas, Kenny Neal, the late Ernie Cado & Johnny Adams, Big Daddy O, Roger Fisher, Honey Boy Edwards, Billy Soul Bond, Larry Garner, John Lisi, Chris Thomas King, Luther Tatum, etc. They have also had the opportunity on several occasions to host the "The World's Greatest Blues Jam" at Phil Brady's and host "The Blues Buffet" Radio program originating out of Baton Rouge, La. On "KBRH 90.3 FM and WBRH 1260 AM.
Together Mamie and Smokehouse are redefining the Mississippi Delta/Louisiana Swamp Blues, and the resurrection of the "Gutbucket Blues" can be experienced in their latest CD "The King And Queen Of The Gutbucket Blues".