Bay area blues musician, record company executive, and night club owner John Jacob (J.J.) Malone (1935 – 2004) was born on August 20, 1935 in Peets Corner, Alabama. The J.J. Malone audiovisual collection consists of recordings documenting his life and musical career. The recordings are arranged in to six series: Live recordings, studio recordings, promos, KALX interview, home movies, and assorted.

Blues musician, record company executive, and night club owner John Jacob (J.J.) Malone (1935 – 2004) was born on August 20, 1935 in Peets Corner, Alabama. When he was a child, Malone bought an old, beat-up acoustic guitar from a second cousin which he taught himself to play while recovering from an appendix operation. His father, Charlie Malone, was an accomplished bottleneck guitarist and although a staunch Christian, showed J.J. a few blues chords on the instrument. Malone began singing at local churches, and started dancing and performing rhythm and blues at chitlin’ parties, fish fries, family gatherings, and teen parties. His style was greatly influenced by Lightnin 'Hopkins, Louis Jordan, Washboard Sam, Memphis Minnie, Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Muddy Waters.

1 linear foot (2 boxes)

Permission to publish must be obtained from the African American Museum & Library at Oakland.

No access restrictions. Collection is open to the public.