Mercy Dee

With his barrelhouse-style piano playing, deeply expressive vocals, and well-crafted lyrics, Mercy Dee (born Mercy Walton) made his presence felt in the blues joints of California's San Joaquin Valley during the 1950s. His best known tune, "One Room Country Shack," has gone on to become a blues classic, covered by such artists as Mose Allison, Eddie Shaw, and Roy Buchanan. Raised in rural Texas, Dee moved to Northern California in 1938. Recording for a variety of independent labels in 1949 and early '50s, including Imperial, Specialty, and Flair, he had first inkling of succ...