Michael Dotson

Born in 1957, Michael Dotson has performed as a sideman for years on the Chicago blues scene, nationally, and internationally. Currently he is living in Chicago, Illinois, where he has formed his own band and is in the final stages of releasing his new CD. Prior to this he was a member of Magic Slim and the Teardrops for six years. This lineup won the WC Handy award for "Best Band of 2003". He has toured most of the U.S.

Prior to this he was a member of Magic Slim and the Teardrops for six years. This lineup won the WC Handy award for "Best Band of 2003". He has toured most of the U.S. playing major festivals such as the San Francisco Blues Festival, the King Biscuit Blues Festival, and the Mississippi Valley Blues Festival. He has toured the world extensively, playing clubs and festivals in Europe, Brazil, and Japan. He has also worked with many other blues artists, such as Homesick James, Billy Boy Arnold, Aron Burton, Big Jack Johnson, Big Time Sarah, Jimmy Burns, Little Mac Simmons, Liz Mandville Greeson, and Willie Kent. He appears on several commercial cd releases, (see discography) playing for Magic Slim, Aron Burton, Big Jack Johnson, Jimmy Burns, Liz Mandville Greeson, and Granae Louise.

As a teenager he soaked in the still thriving Chicago blues scene of the seventies. His initial interest in the blues was sparked by seeing Muddy Waters live at a political fund raiser. Although his first instruments were clarinet and saxophone, he began to play the guitar at the age of thirteen. Since the drinking age at the time was eighteen, and he was big for his age, he was sneaking into blues clubs on a regular basis by the age of sixteen.

He was profoundly influenced by the music he experienced first hand from the likes of Otis Rush, Magic Slim, Buddy Guy and Junior Wells, Lefty Dizz, Sunnyland Slim, and many others. He later went on to perform with many of his boyhood heroes.