Biography
Larry "Big Twist" Nolan fully embodied the description "300 pounds of heavenly joy." Operating out of Chicago, the imposing vocalist fronted his dependable R&B outfit the Mellow Fellows, who ranked among the top attractions on the Midwestern college circuit throughout the 1980s thanks to a glossy, refined style that drew from the soul-leaning methods of Bobby Bland, Little Milton, and Tyrone Davis.
Nolan began his career performing vocals and drums inside rugged rural taverns across downstate Illinois in the late 1950s and early 1960s, where protective chicken-wire barriers around stages proved essential amid the boisterous crowds. Emerging saxophonist Terry Ogolini frequently collaborated with the imposing performer at Junior's, a venue located in the small Prairie State town of Colp. Ogolini joined forces with guitarist Pete Special to form the core of the original Mellow Fellows lineup in Carbondale during the early 1970s, where Nolan also handled drumming duties. Having conquered southern Illinois, the entire group shifted to Chicago in 1978.
Their self-titled 1980 debut release on Flying Fish faithfully reproduced the ensemble's glossy approach, whereas the 1982 successor One Track Mind sought greater modernity while retaining the core blues/R&B foundation. Signing with Alligator in 1983 yielded a record co-produced by Gene "Daddy G" Barge, whose saxophone work had earlier energized R&B classics from Chuck Willis, Gary (U.S.) Bonds, Little Milton, and many others. The final album featuring Nolan as lead singer was Live From Chicago! Bigger Than Life!!
Repeated lineup shifts across the years never derailed the group, nor did Nolan's passing in 1990 due to diabetes and kidney failure. Martin Allbritton, a longtime vocal associate from Nolan's downstate days who had already performed in Chicago as the leader of Larry & the Ladykillers, had been filling in during Nolan's illness and therefore stepped into the permanent role. Barge contributed vocals on select shows and the band's 1990 album Street Party.
Special departed shortly afterward, carrying the Mellow Fellows name with him. At that point the remaining musicians took on the moniker Chicago Rhythm & Blues Kings. Featuring Ogolini alongside veteran trumpeter Don Tenuto in a potent horn section, the act continues as a favored, dance-oriented presence on the Chicago circuit.
Nolan began his career performing vocals and drums inside rugged rural taverns across downstate Illinois in the late 1950s and early 1960s, where protective chicken-wire barriers around stages proved essential amid the boisterous crowds. Emerging saxophonist Terry Ogolini frequently collaborated with the imposing performer at Junior's, a venue located in the small Prairie State town of Colp. Ogolini joined forces with guitarist Pete Special to form the core of the original Mellow Fellows lineup in Carbondale during the early 1970s, where Nolan also handled drumming duties. Having conquered southern Illinois, the entire group shifted to Chicago in 1978.
Their self-titled 1980 debut release on Flying Fish faithfully reproduced the ensemble's glossy approach, whereas the 1982 successor One Track Mind sought greater modernity while retaining the core blues/R&B foundation. Signing with Alligator in 1983 yielded a record co-produced by Gene "Daddy G" Barge, whose saxophone work had earlier energized R&B classics from Chuck Willis, Gary (U.S.) Bonds, Little Milton, and many others. The final album featuring Nolan as lead singer was Live From Chicago! Bigger Than Life!!
Repeated lineup shifts across the years never derailed the group, nor did Nolan's passing in 1990 due to diabetes and kidney failure. Martin Allbritton, a longtime vocal associate from Nolan's downstate days who had already performed in Chicago as the leader of Larry & the Ladykillers, had been filling in during Nolan's illness and therefore stepped into the permanent role. Barge contributed vocals on select shows and the band's 1990 album Street Party.
Special departed shortly afterward, carrying the Mellow Fellows name with him. At that point the remaining musicians took on the moniker Chicago Rhythm & Blues Kings. Featuring Ogolini alongside veteran trumpeter Don Tenuto in a potent horn section, the act continues as a favored, dance-oriented presence on the Chicago circuit.
Albums