Biography
New Orleans bluesman Pleasant Joseph earned his greatest recognition performing as Cousin Joe, although his recorded output also appeared under several other names, including Smilin' Joe, Brother Joshua, Joseph Pleasant, and at times his given name. He entered the world on December 20, 1907, in Wallace, Louisiana, and built a following along the Crescent City nightclub circuit during the mid-1930s. In 1942 he moved to New York City, where he cut a run of 78s that blended blues and jazz elements and featured his characteristically sharp, risqué lyrics. Returning to New Orleans in 1947, Joseph recorded for the Deluxe and Imperial labels and then entered a five-year agreement with Decca; studio work nevertheless remained infrequent as he concentrated on mastering the piano and reestablishing himself among French Quarter audiences. Following an extended period of inactivity, he issued the spontaneous session Bad Luck Blues in 1971 and followed it two years later with Cousin Joe from New Orleans. His performing schedule stayed limited thereafter, yet he completed the autobiography Cousin Joe: Blues from New Orleans in 1987. Joseph died on October 2, 1989.