Garfield Angove

Garfield Angove, the Detroit Blues Society Lifetime Achievement Award Winner in '07, passed away on June 5, 2015.

Garfield toured throughout the Midwest and east coast with the Sam Lay Blues Band. He often backed Koko Taylor, Mighty Joe Young, Johnny Littlejohn, Johnny Young and other top Chicago blues artists. He also performed with James Peterson and his young son Lucky. Gar was a welcome guest to sit in with Muddy Waters when he came through town. He also played on both Luther Allison LPs on the Motown label.

An astute baseball fan, serious student of American History, and long-time fixture in Detroit's music scene, Gar’s authenticity and relaxed style made friends and fans everywhere he went.

Listen to Garfield with The Millionaires - "Keep a Dollar In Your Pocket"

Johnnie Bassett

(Oct 9, 1935 – Aug 4, 2012)

Artist Biography by Richard Skelly - allmusic.com / Bob Conner

Guitarist, singer, and songwriter Johnnie Bassett grew up with blues music all around him in his native Florida. His unique ability to combine jump blues and Delta stylings gave his playing a distinctive sound. The self-taught guitarist recalled seeing Tampa Red, Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup, and other classic blues artists at fish fries in his grandmother's backyard. Bassett cited Aaron "T-Bone" Walker as a major influence, as well as B.B. and Albert King, Tiny Grimes, and Billy Butler.

In addition to Johnnie’s successes as front man, singer, and leader of his own groups, he enjoyed settling into the Millionaires’ rhythm section and providing a swinging pulse that was undeniable. A smile from J.B. was worth a million to the guys in the band!

Larry Lamb

(Sept. 7, 1948 – Nov. 30, 2007)

Saxophonist Larry Lamb was an unsung Detroit music legend. Many might not know his name, but the musicians all knew him. He was a journeyman musician (& horn repairman) that played rock, jazz, Latin, soul, blues and in the orchestra pit at the Fisher Theater.

Larry played saxophones, flute and clarinet for The Millionaires and recorded with them on their recording "Keep A Dollar In Your Pocket". As a busy free-lance musician, Larry’s initial reluctance to making a commitment to The Millionaires was replaced with the enjoyment he found as an arranger for the band. Several of his arrangements are still among the band’s favorites.

Listen to Lamb with The Millionaires -- featured on "I'm Just Your Fool"

 

James "Roy" Wachtel

(Jul 23, 1952 – Apr 20, 2014)

Roy Wachtel was an original member of The Magnificecnt Seven and The Millionaires. The Dearborn-based multi-instrumentalist recorded with the band in 1999 on their debut recording "Keep A Dollar In Your Pocket". Roy's innate joy and enthusiasm was on display for all to see when he really did "Wiggle like a Snake" when playing "The Hucklebuck"

Before joining The Millionaires, Roy toured nationally backing artists such as as Jerry Lee Lewis, Chubby Checker and Freddy Cannon.

Listen to Roy Wachtel with The Millionaires -- featured on "Harlem Nocturne"