Doctor Ross

Born Charles Isaiah Ross on October 21, 1925 in Tunica Mississippi, the blues singer, guitarist, and harmonica player was better known by his stage name Doctor Ross. He was one of the first blues men to record for the legendary Sun Records label. Sometimes referred to as Doctor Ross the Harmonica Boss, at the age of nine, he learned drums and harmonica and made his first public appearance in 1938. Drafted into the military during World War II, he was posted in the military hospital due to his Cherokee origin and knowledge of the medicine of his ancestors. After leaving the army, he adapted the Doctor Ross stage name, formed his own band, and began playing clubs and radio stations throughout the Delta. Recording first for Chess Records in 1952, he switched to Sun Records the following year and released “Come Back Baby”, “Chicago Breakdown”, “Jukebox Boogie” and “The Boogie Disease”. Doctor Ross relocated to Detroit, Michigan and began working for General Motors in nearby Flint. Beginning in 1960, he recorded a few singles for Fortune Records including “Sugar Mama”, “Industrial Boogie”, and “Cat Squirrel” (which was later covered by Cream). While touring in England, he recorded the album The Flying Eagle (1965) for Blue Horizon Records. That album was followed by a self-titled release in 1966. In the 1970s, he signed to Big Bear Records and was part of several label package tours in Europe. He released several more albums including The Harmonica Boss in 1974. Like many American blues, folk, and country music artist of his generation, Doctor Ross remained more popular in Europe than in his home country. Doctor Ross died on May 28, 1993.

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