Joe Weaver

About Joe Weaver

"Joe started out in the early '50s playing blues, boogie-woogie and also R&B. He and his high school pal, Johnnie Bassett, started the Bluenotes and right away started winning local talent competitions. Joe, Johnnie and the band went on to work regular gigs around Detroit and also started recording. Their first hit was on the Deluxe label, called '1540 Special.' After that, the Bluenotes became the house band for Fortune Records, backing artists like Nolan Strong, Andre Williams, the Royal Jokers, Nathaniel Mayer and many others. They also recorded their own tunes – 'Baby I Love You So' was their biggest seller, and is still requested almost 50 years later. Joe ended up backing the Miracles on their first recording for Barry Gordy. This led to many more sessions and live gigs with Motown acts like Martha Reeves, Stevie Wonder & Marvin Gaye. After the heyday of classic R&B ended, Joe went to work for the Ford Motor Company. Today, 31 years later, Joe has retired from Ford – and he's never forgotten about the music. Joe recently returned from his first gig in Europe (the prestigious Blues Estefette in Holland). His first recording in many years is out on Black Magic (a Dutch label) called, 'Baby I Love You So,' which contains new versions of his earlier hits as well as some new numbers. On this CD, Joe is joined by his old buddy Johnnie Bassett on guitar, as well as co-producers Bill Heid (piano) & R.J.Spangler (drums).