Junior Wells was born Amos Blakemore on December 9, 1934 in Memphis, Tennessee. He was born and raised in Memphis and moved to Chicago in 1946 at the age of 14. Legendary harpist, Junior Parker, had taught young Amos the basics of the harmonica. Upon his arrival, he met Louis and David Myer and promptly formed a band with the two. The band was called the Three Deuces and later the Three Aces. The trio played parties and in clubs around Chicago during the 1940âs. In 1950, drummer Fred Below was added to the group and the name of the group simply became the Aces. Junior remained with the group until 1952, when Muddy Waters asked him to join his band. Junior accepted, replacing Little Walter, who in turn replaced him in the Aces. Unfortunately, Wells was drafted into the army in 1953. Junior was not cut out for the army and after deserting that same year he returned to Chicago and continued his partnership with Muddy Waters. He also recorded some sides for the States record label, but only recorded on song, ãStanding Around Cryingä, with Muddy Waters at this time. Junior was eventually forced to return to military services and remained in service until 1955 when he was discharged. Upon his return, he played with Muddy Waters for a short time and then struck out on his own playing in Chicago clubs and touring the South and North.

Junior met Buddy Guy in 1958 and formed an off and on partnership with the guitarist that would last nearly two decades. Junior recorded on his own and backing Guy for a while, but in 1966 he hit with the classic ãHoodoo Man Bluesä. This album featured Junior on vocals and harmonica with Buddy backing him on the guitar. Junior and Buddy were soon attracting huge audiences in the Chicago area. Junior followed his hit album with Itâs My Life Baby!, which was also very popular.

The duo teamed up with the Rolling Stones in 1970 and toured Europe. In 1972, Junior and Buddy released an album two years later called Play the Blues featuring cameo appearances from the J. Geils Band, Dr. John and Eric Clapton. This hit album was soon followed by Drinkinâ TNT and Smokinâ Dynamite featuring the Rolling Stones Bill Wyman on bass. Junior Wells has enjoyed continued success through the present. He has been a fixture in the Chicago blues scene as well as touring and playing festivals frequently. Junior released Harp Attack! in 1990, which proved to be another hit for this blues giant. Junior Wells continues to perform regularly.

source http://www.roadhouseblues.com
/biopages/bioJrWells.htm