Jimmy Carl Black

Jimmy Carl Black (born James Inkanish, Jr. on February 1, 1938) is a drummer, vocalist and "Indian of the group" for The Mothers of Invention. Born in El Paso, Texas, he is best known for his Cheyenne heritage and his drooping moustache. His trademark line was "Hi Boys and Girls, I'm Jimmy Carl Black, and I'm the Indian of the group." He has been credited on some Mothers albums as playing "drums, vocals, and poverty". He appeared in the movie "200 Motels" and sings the song "Lonesome Cowboy Burt".
He is currently working as a guest vocalist with The Muffin Men, a Frank Zappa tribute band based in Liverpool, England, and with Jon Larsen, on the surrealistic Strange News From Mars project, featuring several other Zappa alumni, such as Tommy Mars, Bruce Fowler, Arthur Barrow, etc. He still tours and resides in Germany.
Steely Dan's Walter Becker is a noted booster of "the great" Jimmy Carl Black. At Steely Dan's 2001 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction Becker eschewed the customary "thank yous," instead asking the assembled if they remembered who the original Mothers of Invention drummer was. Becker has unsuccessfully lobbied the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for Black's inclusion as a founding member of the Mothers of Invention.
An autobiographical audioproduction by Jimmy Carl Black was recorded in 2007: The Jimmy Carl Black Story.
Black was diagnosed with lung cancer in August, 2008. A benefit to help pay his medical expenses will be held on 9 November 2008 at the Bridgehouse II in London.

Bands and collaborations

* The Keys (1962 - ?)
* The Soul Giants (1964)
* The Mothers / The Mothers of Invention (with Frank Zappa, 1964 - 1969)
* Geronimo Black (1970 - 1973)
* The Valley Loboys (mid/late 1970's)
* The Grandmothers (1980 onwards)
* Jimmy Carl Black and the Mannish Boys (mid/late 1980s?)
* Arthur Brown (late 1980s)
* The Jack & Jim Show (with Eugene Chadbourne, 1991 - 1994, 2007)
* The Farrell and Black Band (1995 onwards)
* The Muffin Men (1995 onwards)
* Sandro Oliva & the Blue Pampurio's (1996 onwards)
* Jon Larsen's Strange News From Mars (2007 onwards)

External links

*http://www.jimmycarlblack.com/