Mr. Google Eyes

Although little known to general audiences, Mr. Google Eyes looms large in the history of New Orleans R&B -- not only did his first sides predate the recording career of Fats Domino, but many of the city's soul luminaries count him as a pivotal influence. Born Joseph Augustus on September 13, 1931, he gained his formative musical experience as a member of the First Emmanuel Baptist Church choir, but found himself most deeply attracted to the blues. As a teen, Augustus worked as a delivery boy for local restaurateur Dooky Chase, who bestowed upon him the "Google Eyes" appellation because he could rarely peel his sight away from the eatery's female clientele. Chase also sponsored a local jazz band, and on occasion Augustus sang a few numbers, gradually earning enough money to buy his own PA system. He used the PA as a bargaining chip to sit in on other acts' sets, and in time earned a steady gig at the local Downbeat Club, appearing opposite Roy Brown. Often billing himself as "Mr. Google Eyes," sometimes he appeared as simply "Mr. G," a nickname conferred after a performance in support of Billy Eckstine, himself Mr. E. Although Brown, Paul Gayten, and Annie Laurie were the first New Orleans R&B artists to enter the recording studio, Augustus was not far behind, making his debut for the black-owned Coleman Records with 1946's "Poppa Stoppa's Be-Bop Blues"; he was still just 15 years old at the time, and accordingly the label proclaimed him "Mr. Google Eyes -- the world's youngest blues singer." "No Wine, No Women" soon followed, and resulted in an endorsement deal with Monogram Wine. "Rock My Soul" was another hit, and prompted Columbia Records to buy out Augustus' Coleman contract. His Columbia debut, "For You My Love," appeared in 1948, but too late Augustus...