Pleasant Green D&B Corps (St. Louis) – ‘62
Spirit of St. Louis (Tom Powell Post) – ’63-’66 Tenor drum
Given the title “Legendary” by his musician colleagues, Merle has performed and/or recorded with the following artists:
Joe Ferguson, Freddie King, Buddy Guy, Jr. Wells, Albert King, Big Mama Thornton (composer of “Hound Dog”), James Cotton, Lonnie Brooks, Charlie Musselwhite, Memphis Slim, Carey Bell, Magic Slim, Dizzy Gillespie, Jimmy Dawkins, Lefty Dizz, Son Seals, Eddie Clearwater, Michael Coleman, his own band, the Perkolators, and a host of other Blues and Jazz luminaries.
Inducted into the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame
Recipient of the Canadian “Real Blues Man” Award
Named “Official Legendary Timekeeper” – Harold Washington Cultural Center
“Once you’ve been in Drum Corps, it’s always in your blood for life”
