Biography
The imposing vocal presence of Chicago singer Jesse Fortune stands in marked contrast to the modest size of his recorded output. His entire body of work consists of just a few 45s led by the 1963 standout “Too Many Cooks” plus the 1993 Delmark long-player Fortune Tellin’ Man, although his continued activity on the city’s club scene leaves room for further additions.
Raised in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Fortune absorbed the impassioned blues style of B.B. King. He reached Chicago in 1952 and began performing professionally alongside guitarist Little Monroe, later sharing stages with Otis Rush and Buddy Guy until Willie Dixon formally took notice of his talent. Under Dixon’s direction, Fortune entered the studio for USA Records in April 1963 and cut four tracks, among them the composer’s own brooding rhumba “Too Many Cooks,” backed by Guy, harmonica player Big Walter Horton, and pianist Lafayette Leake. Robert Cray later included the number on his 1980 Tomato debut, Who’s Been Talkin’.
Disappointed by the financial outcome of that session, Fortune largely stepped back from recording while earning his living as a barber, until guitarist Dave Specter brought him back into regular club work. Their partnership produced Fortune Tellin’ Man for Delmark, featuring the singer with Specter and the Bluebirds supplying the accompaniment.
Raised in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Fortune absorbed the impassioned blues style of B.B. King. He reached Chicago in 1952 and began performing professionally alongside guitarist Little Monroe, later sharing stages with Otis Rush and Buddy Guy until Willie Dixon formally took notice of his talent. Under Dixon’s direction, Fortune entered the studio for USA Records in April 1963 and cut four tracks, among them the composer’s own brooding rhumba “Too Many Cooks,” backed by Guy, harmonica player Big Walter Horton, and pianist Lafayette Leake. Robert Cray later included the number on his 1980 Tomato debut, Who’s Been Talkin’.
Disappointed by the financial outcome of that session, Fortune largely stepped back from recording while earning his living as a barber, until guitarist Dave Specter brought him back into regular club work. Their partnership produced Fortune Tellin’ Man for Delmark, featuring the singer with Specter and the Bluebirds supplying the accompaniment.
Albums
Live
