Nathaniel Mayer

Nathaniel Mayer (born 10 February 1944 in Detroit, Michigan, died 1 November 2008) is a rhythm & blues singer from Detroit, Michigan who had a Top 40 hit record in 1962 with "Village of Love," credited to Nathaniel Mayer and The Fabulous Twilights. "Village of Love" was released on Fortune Records, a Detroit record label owned by Jack and Devora Brown, who leased the record to United Artists Records. Rollicking follow-ups such as "Leave Me Alone" (late '62) and "I Had A Dream" ('63) failed to duplicate the success of "Village" (although "Dream" sold well in Detroit). In 1966, Mayer released "I Want Love and Affection (Not The House Of Correction)," a funky offering in the James Brown vein. He then split with Fortune Records due to differences. "Nay Dog", as he is also known, has a raw, highly energetic vocal style.

After Mayer’s Fortune Records days, his whereabouts were practically unknown and only ever confirmed by vague rumors for several decades. Though he did surface in 1980 to record the "Raise the Curtain High" 45 rpm. It would be the only release from Mayer between 1966 and 2002. Disappearing into the ghettos of East Detroit for the next two decades, rumors compounded, turning Mayer into a walking urban legend. However, after Norton Records released "I Don't Want No Bald-Headed Woman Telling Me What to Do" in 2002 (a never before released recording from 1968), Mayer was inspired to record and perform again.

Mayer staged a full fledged musical comeback in 2002. His once-sweet soul scream had deepened to a rasping growl, giving his latter albums a whole new feel. He played clubs and festivals, gaining a new generation of fans with his exciting live shows.

In 2004 Mayer returned to the studio to record I Just Want to Be Held for Fat Possum Records, a Mississippi label known mostly for releasing records by obscure bluesmen. In 2005 he toured with fellow Fat Possum artist The Black Keys. In 2006 Stardumb Records, a record label based out of The Netherlands, released a 7" single featuring three songs taken from the Fat Possum album.

Mayer's last album, Why Don't You Give To Me?, was released on August, 21 2007 on Alive Records, and features Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys, Matthey Smith of Outrageous Cherry, Troy Gregory of The Dirtbombs, and Dave Shettler of SSM and The Sights.


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