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J. Mayo Williams and the Black Patti/Chicago Record Company—Williams
was a talent agent for Paramount Records during the early years of
recording, who "discovered" and recorded such acts as Ma Rainey, Papa
Charlie Jackson, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Blind Blake, Muddy Waters, and
many others. He also ran the Chicago Record Company, which produced
Black Patti label records, the rarest of the rare among 78 rpm records.
Yet, he remains a footnote in blues and jazz history. I've been
researching Williams and Black Patti for the past year. Any information
on him, Black Patti, the Chicago Record Company, his family, still
living people who recorded with him, or the like would be much
appreciated. Please contact me using the link in the left column.
