If you plan to see Indianapolis blues great Harvie Cook, understand that you will probably want to be on your feet for most of the show.
After nearly a half-century of success in the music business, Cook has gained a nationwide following of fans who enjoy his high energy performances and soulful style of playing.
Known as the “Mississippi Bluesman,” Cook is one of Indiana’s leading exponents of Southern style blues. A native of Greenwood, Miss., Cook later moved to Indianapolis, where he worked for General Motors for 32 years. In his spare time, Cook built a touring and recording career with his band The Bluetones, which he formed in 1963. He serves as guitarist and vocalist with the group.
“We play a lot of the good old blues music that you just don’t hear many of the bands play anymore,” Cook said. “Often we have somebody come up to us and say, ‘It was good to hear that one again.’”
Harvie and The Bluetones also enjoy playing soul and R&B music from the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s, especially Motown. The ensemble is known for its engaging interpretations of songs by artists such as Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Buddy Guy, James Brown and Albert King.
Cook has released several well-received original compositions, ranging from B.B. King-style songs like “Don’t Walk on My Love” to smoky juke joint favorites such as “You Get Me Dizzy.”
Cook is frequently booked for events hosted by various community and social organizations around the city.
He summed up his longevity on the music scene by saying, “The life of a musician on the road can be hard, but I’m still here because of everyone who comes to see us time after time. I’d like to think it’s because we can give them a good show and the real blues, which deals with all the things in life that happen to us and the people we know.”
