Curley Mays captivating a crowd with his electrifying stage presence.
Curley Mays, a celebrated blues guitarist from San Antonio, has left a lasting legacy with his electrifying performances and unique musical journey. Known for captivating audiences at iconic venues and beloved local spots, Mays represents a vibrant chapter in the city’s music scene. His contributions to the blues genre continue to resonate, illustrating the power of music in uniting people across backgrounds.
In the vibrant city of San Antonio, a shining star of the blues scene has left an indelible mark that continues to resonate today. Curley Mays, the legendary blues guitarist known for his incredible energy and charismatic performances, has a legacy that is hard to forget. Over the years, he has graced the stages alongside R&B icons like Etta James and Nat King Cole, making a name for himself not just as an artist but as an unforgettable performer.
Curley Mays’ adventurous journey took him to some of the most prestigious venues in the country. He played at the legendary Apollo Theater, dazzled crowds at Las Vegas casinos, and made a regular splash at San Antonio’s own Eastwood Country Club. From the mid-1960s to 1970, Mays lit up the Eastwood stage and welcomed an audience as diverse as his musical style.
Even in more recent years, Mays remains a cherished local figure at Panchos & Gringos, a beloved East Side eatery where stories of his musical past swirl around the air like the savory aromas of delicious food. From sharing laughs with friends to reminiscing about those glory days of showbiz, each visit is a celebration of a life lived in music.
Curley Mays was not just about the music; he was an entertainer at heart. With a striking stage presence that captivated audiences, Mays developed a reputation for his unique and thrilling guitar tricks, such as playing with his teeth, behind his head, and even with his toes while pretending to read a newspaper! This electrifying style helped him stand out during a time when the Jim Crow era segregated audiences and performers alike.
Born in Maxie, Louisiana, Curley soon made his way to Beaumont, Texas, where his love for music began to blossom. Inspired by his uncle, the legendary Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, and his father, Jessie Mays, Curley learned to play guitar by ear, showcasing a natural talent that would soon lead him to purchase a Fender Stratocaster after graduating high school in 1957.
Curley’s path as an artist was anything but conventional. Throughout his career, he turned down numerous recording contracts, choosing to captivate live audiences instead. He did release a single titled “Oh Why” in 1964 with Carnival Records, but he found deeper satisfaction in the connections made on stage.
As the music industry evolved in the late 1970s, Mays decided to take a step back from performance-driven life. While pursuing other career paths—and even working at USAA—the music never left him. His rich heritage and experiences continued to be a source of pride and joy, often shared with those who gathered at Panchos & Gringos.
Although his days in the spotlight seem far behind him, Curley Mays represents a fascinating chapter in the San Antonio music scene. While some of his former colleagues may not recognize the depth of his legacy today, the warmth that emanates from his stories brings smiles and fond memories to those who are fortunate enough to hear them. His music was more than just notes; it was about creating an inclusive space where people came together, united by rhythm and the blues.
In a city that continues to thrive on music, the spirit of Curley Mays will forever be felt, echoing through the halls of memory as a testament to an artist who truly knew how to put on a show.
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