The Mighty Hannibal

Atlanta born James Shaw was known by his stage name the Mighty Hannibal, (also Hannibal & King Hannibal) who released dozens of records on numerous labels from 1958 onward. He remains an obscure show biz talent who put out a diverse discography of releases starting with with 1958's "Big Chief Hug-Um an' Kiss-Um" which was released as Jimmy Shaw on the Concept label. Later on, after he began wearing a Turban and aclling himself Hannibal, his 60's soul sides like "Jerkin' the Dog" were regional dance hits.

He also dallied in slower message music like his 1966 Vietnam-era tale of returning G.I woe "Hymn #5" and his classic gospel inflected 1972 post heroin addiction anti-drug statement "The Truth Shall Make You Free". Labels he recorded now rare 7" singles for for include Kent, Shurfine, Decca, Josie, Pan World, Romark, Sue, Venture, Aware and his own Sharob imprint. Some of his music was also used in the glamrock film "The Velvet Goldmine", creating a minor resurgence in interest in his career in the latter 90's. He maintains a MySpace page, and website where he sells CDs at http://www.themightyhannibal.com/ and still occasionally performs live with his wife Delia Gartrell. Since release of the 2001 Norton Records compilation Hannibalism he has appeared live along side Archie Bell, The Dansettes (sometimes doubling as his backing band), The Fabulous Soul Shakers, Nathaniel Mayer, Andre Williams, King Coleman, Bettye Lavette, Lonnie Youngblood and others. January 12th 2007 The city of Atlanta declared it Mighty Hannibal Day. In honor of this momentous event, The Black Lips backed him up for a sold out set at the Earl nightclub in Little 5 Points. Michael Julian Bond, son of civil rights leader Julian Bond was on hand for the Proclamation.