For over a decade, Marty “Big Dog” Mercer’s heartfelt, southpaw blues and soulful voice has growled through the Chicago music scene. Mercer’s ability to combine emotional lyrics with aggressive slide guitar makes him an artist unlike any other. Earning his moniker from local blues favorites, the “Big Dog” has proven to be a talent no one saw coming. Hailing from Wisconsin, Mercer found his passion for music while playing his first instrument, a trombone, at the age of 8. By the time he was 17, Mercer was handed the instrument that would later change his life, an acoustic guitar. In the 1990’s, Mercer played in a four-piece band. After the band discussed adding a singer to the group as a fifth member, Mercer offered to try his hand at singing. As fate would have it, it was a risk worth taking. Mercer’s music career began in Northern Illinois where he played in a local Jam Night for over a year. While dealing with the struggles of life and developing his musical skills, Mercer found solace in the blues. As Mercer has said, “I’ve been told that a musician doesn’t pick the blues, the blues picks the musician. The blues grabbed me and never let me go.” Mercer followed the driving rhythm of the blues to the suburbs of Chicago where he started showing his face at local jam sessions. In no time at all, the “Big Dog” was born. Since residing in Chicago, Mercer has shared the stage with The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Billy Branch, L.V.Banks, Toronzo Cannon, Lonnie Brooks, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Mud Morganfield (Muddy Waters Jr.), Lindsey Alexander, Mose Rutes, Nick Charles, Jimmy Burns,Brother John , Larry McCray, Chris Beard and Sharon Lewis, just to name a few. 2010 proved to be a big year for the “Big Dog”, beginning with the signing of his band to Electro Glide Records in October. The year also brought the release of his latest album,"Attack of the southpaw" and the honor of having his recording on the top 60 blues songs of 2010 by “Friends of the Blues”. In September 2011 Mercer signed a 2 album contract & released his latest cd on Electro Glide Records simply titled "Big Dog" Mercer. Reviews keep coming in & the response is great.Being out only a few weeks, it's already recieved regular airplay on many radio & internet stations. The Big Dog’s versatile styling and ease to which he attacks the neck of his guitar with his slide have gained this emerging artist much recognition. In April 2007, Mercer was crowned Joliet, Illinois’ Guitar Center “King of the Blues”. He placed second in the July 2010 Muddy Waters’ Chicago Blues Slide Guitar Championship. In January 2011, Mercer was nominated for the Chicago SuburbaNites Magazine "Best of the Burbs" contest in the categories of best guitarist, best male vocalist, best acoustic duo, best cover band and best blues band. The “Best of the Burbs” readers’ poll earned him the title of Best Blues Band in March 2011. Yet, through all his success, Mercer is most grateful for the relationships he has formed along the way. Mercer continues to follow the heart of the blues by striving to evolve and encourage his listeners to do the same. The “Big Dog” heard his most memorable advice to date while speaking with Mr. Lonnie Brooks at Governors State University in 2010. “Lonnie told me,” Mercer states, “that the way to people’s hearts through music is by playing every note in every measure of every song like it’s the last song you’ll ever play. When you get through that song play the next one & every one after that the same way. I’ve absorbed his words and fight to do everything I can to better myself as a person and an entertainer on a daily basis.” Mercer demonstrates this desire to help others through his contribution to area causes including the Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Guardian Angel Home, St. Joes Academy, the Humane Society of Will County,Heal With Love Foundation and many others. You can find the Big Dog’s blues music online, on over 150 radio stations in over 12 countries and live all over Chicagoland. The “Big Dog” can be found playing with his band, as a trio, as a duo and solo. Written by Jessica Honiotes 2011 |
