George ("Big George") Brock

Big George Brock’s life was as big as his massive hands — hands that once wrestled a bear (and won) and pummeled a future heavyweight champion named Sonny Liston. Brock passed away peacefully at home on April 10th after a long illness. His life was the ultimate blues story. He picked cotton, boxed and played the blues in Mississippi. Then, like other bluesmen of the era, Big George moved North in the 1950’s in search of new opportunities. In his case, he didn’t go all the way to Chicago. He stopped in St. Louis where he opened a series of blues clubs — booking popular acts like Ike & Tina Turner and sharing the stage with blues legends like Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf and Jimmy Reed. He was also backed by a who’s who of guitarists through the years — including Albert King, Hubert Sumlin, Big Bad Smitty, Riley Coatie Morgan, Terry “Big T” Williams, Bill Abel, Matt Lesch and others. He was also good friends with B.B. King from their days in Mississippi. His brother-in-law was the late Delta bluesman Big Jack Johnson, his nephew was blues/folk artist James “Super Chikan” Johnson and his half-brother was St. Louis ballplayer Lou Brock.

Big George was known for his colorful suits (and sometimes even capes and wolf tails), custom-painted tour buses and a love for old Westerns (especially Rocky Lane films). Heralded worldwide as one of the last important Mississippi-born bluesmen of his generation, Brock began his blues career humbly — often just sitting in with other bigger names of the era. Later, he blew a harmonica and sang everywhere he could — from grocery store lobbies and the back of a “sausage truck” to the Chicago Blues Festival and international stages in England, Italy, Switzerland and France. He recorded a series of Blues Music Award-nominated CDs (including his 2005 comeback release, “Club Caravan”) and even recorded with martial arts actor/musician Steven Seagal. He performed for Morgan Freeman in Clarksdale and received numerous awards and honors for his work, including Juke Joint Festival’s Miss Sarah Award last April. He is also featured on an official Mississippi Blues Trail Marker in his native Grenada. He was a regular performer at St. Louis venues for decades, including his own Club Caravan and New Club Caravan as well as Climmie’s Western Inn, Club 54, The Ambassador, Spruill’s, BB’s Jazz Blues & Soups and others as well as blues festivals like the Big Muddy. Born in Grenada, Mississippi, on May 16, 1932, Brock’s family soon moved to Flower’s Plantation in Mattson — just outside of the Delta boomtown of Clarksdale. Brock started picking and chopping cotton as a child but was destined for a better life. As Brock told interviewers in the 2006 documentary “Hard Times,” he was never afraid of hard work and always loved the blues: “I had a mule that if you didn’t sing the blues, she didn’t want to work right. And if you sing the blues, that mule, she’d work all day. You’re walking the cotton field, you’re walking the fields all day long. You just don’t know how many miles you go in the run of a day. Them’s a long mile. They used to plant cotton with a mule. Now, they plant it with a tractor. Plant it, work it, grow it, pick it. They do everything now with tractors. But back in them days, they did it with these. You did it with your hands.” The hardworking, hard-playing bluesman was also a highly-spiritual and loving family man. He is survived by a large, multigenerational family in addition to his legion of friends and fans around the globe.

The love of Big George’s life, as everyone knows, was wife, best friend and caregiver Evelyn Lorraine Riddick Brock. Devoted to her husband, “Lorraine,” as he called her, was by his side for decades, taking care of him until his passing. Brock was preceded in death by his parents Jake and Mary Brock. Seventh oldest of 17 sisters and brothers, all siblings preceded him in death. First Union: Married to Edna, he is survived by children Georgia Mae, Georgia Bea and Kenneth; preceded in death by children George, Jake and Bessie. Second Union: Married to Alma, he is survived by son George Jeffrey Manzy. Third Union: Married to the love of his life on May 29, 1995, Evelyn Lorraine Riddick Brock, they had three children together — LaWanna (Ralph) Richerson, Jacqueline (Shonnie) Riddick, George (Shon) Riddick. Also, seven grandchildren — Kenneth (Kaycee), Brooks, Kelsie, Andrew (Andy), Andre (Grey), Taylor, George and Ayres (Fat Lady). Plus, four great grandchildren, two sisters-in-law — Brenda and Barbara; and seven brothers-in-law — Earl (Lorraine), Jack (Mary), Jerome (Gerlanda), Bryan, Donald (Ceola), Vincent (Doris) and Michael. Big George Brock leaves cherished memories to children: Albert (Denise) Gilford, Georgia (Tony) Beard, Connie, Kenneth, Jerry Logan, Calvin (Mariah) Johnson, Clifton (Leantyle) Brown, Erica, Paula (Punkin), Chrystal (Robert) Davis, George Brock (deceased), Alma (Squeaky), Kimberly, Cortez, Mellisa (Moe), Jake, Vincent, William, Delisha and Jerry. He also leaves behind a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. Special thanks to: Cyrus Wingate (Mr. Mississippi), Carol Boss (manager), Roger Stolle (publicist), Miss Lee and band members Matthew Lesch, Larry Gassel, Marty D. Spikener and Dirk Jones.

Tribute To Mrs. Big George Brock If there were an Emmy, Tony or Grammy Award to be given for being a wife Evelyn Lorraine Riddick Brock would definitely be the recipient — hands down. Some people have trophy wives. Mrs. Brock is the trophy wife and also holds the trophy. Big George and Lorraine were together for over 50 years and created 3 beautiful children. The true definition of marriage: until death do us part. There is a time to stand beside your man as well as a time to stand behind your man, and she definitely knew when and where to stand. One of Big George’s claims to fame was his style of fashion, and he was styled by his wife. His wife played many roles as a stylist, secretary, cook, housekeeper, bookkeeper, accountant, caretaker just to name a few. A lot of people are good at being great at a thing or two. She has been great at everything, never missing a beat, and yet always remaining behind the scenes needing no recognition. Not to toot her horn but “beep beep”. In case you didn’t know, without Lorraine, Big George would have definitely had to hire a staff. With that being said, she was his staff and at the same time working a full-time job for well over 30 years in addition to raising their children and assisting with the rest of the village. By his side she remained until he took his last breath. The love they had for each other was undeniable, inseparable and untouchable. If you were to look in the dictionary for the definition of Wife, it should read Evelyn Lorraine Riddick Brock!!! My Uncle Big George — A Poem A southern boy from Grenada, Mississippi by way of St. Louis, Missouri you came. With a big heart, hopes and many dreams, never for the fortune and fame. You had plenty ambition, plenty drive, a voice as you held a harmonica in your hand. With motivation, determination and talent making you the epitome of man. While often taking care of your family and others the best way you possibly could. Loved and liked by most but at times misunderstood. We all have opinions as well as feelings and for some it is just a grudge. As you Laid Your Burdens Down Lord, for only our God to judge. We will miss you and your presence as you have made a massive impact. Go blow your harmonica, sing your blues in heaven as you Get Your MOJO Back. Brown Skinned Woman, Doctor Doctor and Hard Times just to name a few. When these songs are played down here on earth we will only think of you. Always well dressed with colored coordination was definitely your claim to fame. Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and other holidays now will never be the same. A man of many talents and a giving heart who lived each day without fear. You can never be replaced or never forgotten as you left a village here. Starting with your fans, children, grandchildren and more importantly your wife. Long live Big George Brock, the blues as your legacy of life. As you leave behind the sweet Lorraine your dedicated beautiful wife. May you rest in heaven with no worries or sickness but only eternal life. Love Always, Your Niece — Sherlie Riddick Wilson A.K.A. Sheryl The Pearl.

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