Morris 'Moe' Jennings Dies at 77
Famed Studio Drummer at Chess Records Dies of Natural Causes
June 15, 2016
by Graydon Megan
Chicago Tribune
Drummer Morris "Moe" Jennings was a studio musician with Chicago's famed Chess Records who played with such blues and jazz greats as Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon and Ramsey Lewis.
"He was on several of my albums," Lewis said. "I'm sure he was on not only a couple that went gold, but a couple that won Grammys."
Lewis described him as rock solid and versatile. "Morris Jennings was like the Rock of Gibraltar. He kept almost perfect time.
"You know, jazz ebbs and flows," Lewis said. "Morris could give you whatever you needed at the time. If you needed something a little more rock and roll, a little more R&B or straight-ahead jazz, Morris Jennings was there."
Jennings, 77, died of natural causes June 3 in the South Side home where he lived for more than 35 years, according to his wife of 51 years, Shirley.
Jennings was born in East St. Louis, Ill., but moved with his family to Chicago when he was just a toddler. He graduated from DuSable High School, where one of his teachers encouraged his interest in music.
Shirley Jennings said her husband was primarily self-taught. "His aunt bought him a drum set, and he spent more time playing on that drum set than playing out in the street."
He played gigs around town and was in his early 20s when he started working for Chess. Gene Barge was a staff member with Chess in charge of the rhythm section that included Jennings and Maurice White, who went on to play with Lewis before founding the group Earth, Wind & Fire.
"He was our drummer for a good while at Chess," Barge said. "He was just a dedicated musician. He wasn't fancy, he was just very good."
Lewis said Jennings brought an easygoing sense of humor to his work, contributing to the group both on and off stage.
"A jolly, nice get-along person," Lewis said. "it was just part of his personality, and that was good for the group."
Jennings recorded for other labels including Cadet, Mercury, Vanguard and Columbia. His wife said other musicians with whom he worked included Howlin' Wolf, Ahmad Jamal, Woody Herman, Diana Ross and the Staples Singers.
Jennings also passed on his skills to others, teaching young players, often at no charge, his wife said.
He is also survived by daughters Paige Johnson and Shannon; and six grandchildren.
Plans are being made for a memorial service.
Famed Studio Drummer at Chess Records Dies of Natural Causes
June 15, 2016
by Graydon Megan
Chicago Tribune
 |
| Morris "Mo" Jennings "Drummer Extraordinaire" 1939 - June 3, 2016 |
Drummer Morris "Moe" Jennings was a studio musician with Chicago's famed Chess Records who played with such blues and jazz greats as Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon and Ramsey Lewis.
"He was on several of my albums," Lewis said. "I'm sure he was on not only a couple that went gold, but a couple that won Grammys."
Lewis described him as rock solid and versatile. "Morris Jennings was like the Rock of Gibraltar. He kept almost perfect time.
"You know, jazz ebbs and flows," Lewis said. "Morris could give you whatever you needed at the time. If you needed something a little more rock and roll, a little more R&B or straight-ahead jazz, Morris Jennings was there."
Jennings, 77, died of natural causes June 3 in the South Side home where he lived for more than 35 years, according to his wife of 51 years, Shirley.
Jennings was born in East St. Louis, Ill., but moved with his family to Chicago when he was just a toddler. He graduated from DuSable High School, where one of his teachers encouraged his interest in music.
Shirley Jennings said her husband was primarily self-taught. "His aunt bought him a drum set, and he spent more time playing on that drum set than playing out in the street."
He played gigs around town and was in his early 20s when he started working for Chess. Gene Barge was a staff member with Chess in charge of the rhythm section that included Jennings and Maurice White, who went on to play with Lewis before founding the group Earth, Wind & Fire.
 |
| Morris "Mo" Jennings "Drummer Extraordinaire" 1939 - June 3, 2016 |
"He was our drummer for a good while at Chess," Barge said. "He was just a dedicated musician. He wasn't fancy, he was just very good."
Lewis said Jennings brought an easygoing sense of humor to his work, contributing to the group both on and off stage.
"A jolly, nice get-along person," Lewis said. "it was just part of his personality, and that was good for the group."
Jennings recorded for other labels including Cadet, Mercury, Vanguard and Columbia. His wife said other musicians with whom he worked included Howlin' Wolf, Ahmad Jamal, Woody Herman, Diana Ross and the Staples Singers.
Jennings also passed on his skills to others, teaching young players, often at no charge, his wife said.
He is also survived by daughters Paige Johnson and Shannon; and six grandchildren.
Plans are being made for a memorial service.
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