George Brock

Born on 16 May 1932 in Grenada, Mississippi, USA, Brock received a harmonica from his father as a Christmas gift at age eight. He delivered his first vocal performance at a ‘fish fry’ upon turning 12 and later appeared in clubs throughout his home state. After relocating to St. Louis, Missouri, in 1953, he performed regularly at one venue before assuming temporary management. He resumed duties as band leader, collaborating with Ike Turner while securing Albert King as lead guitarist. Brock declined a recording opportunity in 1963 yet remained in St. Louis, energizing the local blues circuit with his group the Houserockers while maintaining steady daytime employment. His debut single emerged in 1990, followed later that year by an album issued on his own label. In the mid-00s he began working with the Cat Head label, earning broad critical praise for the 2005 release Club Caravan. Filmmaker Damien Blaylock also documented his life in the film Hard Times.

Brock identifies his approach as ‘a low down pure blues singer’, citing deep influence from Howlin’ Wolf, B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Elmore James and Jimmy Reed. He proudly owns a gold belt won through repeated victories in harmonica competitions and counts more than 75 grandchildren.