Mac Arnold edit
Born on June 30, 1942. At the age of ten he first started learning the blues when he by playing his brother, Leroy’s, home-made guitar. He then played in a high school band, “J Floyd & The Shamrocks” which was often joined by James Brown on piano. Mac later joined the Charles Miller group, then in 1965 moved to Chicago to work with recording artist/saxophonist A. C. Reed.
In late 1966, at age 24, he joined the Muddy Waters Band. With Muddy Waters, he played with such notable musicians as Eric Clapton, Paul Butterfield, Mike Bloomfield, and Elvin Bishop. During this period, Mac played on John Lee Hooker’s album, Live at the Café Au Go-Go, and Otis Spann’s recording “The Blues is Where It’s At”.
After more than a year with Muddy Waters, Mac formed a band, Soul Invaders, which backed up many artists, including The Temptations and B. B. King. In the early 70’s, he moved Los Angeles to work at ABC Television and LAFF RECORDS, playing bass in the theme song to Redd Foxx's Sanford and Son. This led to working on the set of Soul Train from 1971 to 1975 and then working with Bill Withers (“Lean On Me”) before moving back to South Carolina in the 80”s.
Mac now resides in Pelzer, SC, and continues to play music with his band, “Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’ Blues”. The band consists of Danny Keylon on bass and vocals, Austin Brashier on guitar and vocals, Max Hightower on keyboards, harmonica, guitar, and vocals, Mike Whitt on drums, and Mac Arnold on vocals, bass and Gas Can Guitars.
Mac is also creator of an organization, I Can Do Anything Foundation which aims to improve music education and help raise funds for arts programs in public schools.