Elmo And The Shades

It's no exaggeration to say that Larry was a legend among Memphis musicians. After playing with Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock, Larry became the guitarist and band leader for Rev. Al Green --a job that has taken him all over the world and onto countless TV shows. Confident, experienced, talented -- he was truly a musician's musician.
Larry Lee passed away on October 30, 2007. He is sorely missed.
Larry was a member of Elmo and the Shades for eight years and was an integrel part of their success during this period.The band enjoyed much success during this period playing nightclubs,casinos,parties,and occasional blues festivals throughout Memphis and the Mid-South.Larry Lee is featured on three cuts on the new CD by Elmo and The Shades ,"Blue Memphis".They are "Same Old Dog","I Get the Blues for Free", and the title cut "Blue Memphis". Larry took his leave from the group as his battle with cancer left him to weak to perform in August of 2006. Larry was as soulful a blues singer and incredibly moving blues guitarist as Memphis, Beale St. and the world has ever seen.

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Lots of Memphis Soul, Stax history, and good old fashioned Memphis Blues and Soul.
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"ELMO" LEE THOMAS (VOCALS, GUITAR, HARMONICA)

This big voiced singer has been the driving force behind one of Memphis and the Mid-South's most popular bands, Elmo and the Shades, for over twenty five years. The Memphis native has gained a reputation as a high energy blues shouter and soul screamer. Long recognized as one of the regions top harmonica talents, (twice nominated for NARAS's Premier Player Awards) he is equally capable of lighting up the stage with his roots inspired guitar approach. A presence on stage, this showman always creates an atmosphere of fun. His credits include concerts, festivals, parties, as well as session work .As a songwriter, Elmo Lee penned the majority of songs on the groups debut CD "Blue Memphis" .He has performed on National Public Radio's Beale Street Caravan on numerous occasions as a well as an appearance on Bud Light's "Spotlight on Memphis" national television commercial.Performing blues proffesionally in Memphis since 1979,Elmo is a tireless veteran of the Memphis live music scene. He is also the harmonica accompanist to world renown and Grammy winning blues historian and recording artist Dr. David Evans. Elmo Lee also performs with Dr. Evans in Memphis's own Last Chance Jug Band. As a frontman for the Shades, this real Memphis blues man brings a unique pespective to the blues as well as anything else he does. He just knows how to entertain and have fun. Elmo, and his band, Elmo and the Shades, are considered by many in Memphis, the Mid-South, and the world to be a Memphis music tradition.

MUDCOAST RECORDS AND ENTERTAINMENT is proud
to introduce Elmo And The Shades, a long time regional
favorite in Memphis,TN and the Mid -South.