Biography
With more than 50 years in music he went from working the dusty honky tonks of Georgia to performing in five star venues, festival and concert stages around the world including places like Iceland, Russia, Malaysia, Hong Kong and many others.
For years he toured as a side man and the road finally took him to Canada. It was a long and complicated journey but eventually he took front and center.
As a soloist or bandmaster his dynamic stage presence and uplifting performances finally caught the attention of European promoters and made him a favorite in Europe where he has toured and performed countless times.
Wes Mackey learned to play the guitar from the seasoned old blues players of the South where he was born and raised. At the urging of his father he eventually left “Big Estate” in rural South Carolina and moved to Augusta Georgia where his career really began.
His first gig paid 50 cents and a chicken sandwich but soon he found himself working in bands that would back up touring artists including Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Jimmy Reed, Stevie Wonder and many others.
At age 75 he shows no sign of slowing down. Even with an endless list of collaborations, pursuits and projects in the works he just wrapped up a 2 week tour of France which ended with a performance in Paris iconic Jazz Club at The Etole Meriden.
For more on Wes read the 5 page spread
Soul Bag Magazine
Issue 192
Beyond Words
Discography
In 2003 he put out his aptly titled album Second Chance, and followed it up with the equally excellent Mr. Blues in 2006. Wes released two more albums, Beyond Words in 2009 and his latest Life is a Journey has also received outstanding reviews including a 4 star rating from iconic French magazine Soul Bag and “Highly recommended” says Blues Magazine.. a very nice blue album. Songs with personal lyrics, about Mackey’s look at the past and the future.” Mackey latest release ( 2017) Back to The Shack Retro- Collection recently received an excellent review in the 2017 December/ January edition Living Blues Magazine.
Honorable Mentions
2 Time Nominee
Jus' Blues Award Nominee
Best Contemporary Blues Artist
Wes Mackey becomes Honorary Citizen of
Provence, France
Mackey makes the list of South Carolina –
Notable African Americans SCIWAY
WCMA Best Music Video Nomination
Passing Me By with Hip Hop artist
Remi Cityreal Huot
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Check out this in
depth interview
on Telus Optik TV
Mackey talks about his roots
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