Nathaniel Mayer, 1944-2008
Nathaniel Mayer was a rhythm & blues singer who started his career in the early 1960s at Fortune Records, a Detroit record label owned by Jack and Devora Brown, where he would stay for six years, recording a handful of records. Within a year after completing his first European tour, Mayer suffered multiple strokes. After months of hospitalization, Mayer died on November 1, 2008 in Detroit, Michigan.
“Nay Dog” or “Nate,” as he was also known, had a raw, highly energetic vocal style and wild stage show. Mayer scored a #22 Billboard Hot 100 hit record in 1962 with “Village of Love,” credited to Nathaniel Mayer and The Fabulous Twilights. Mayer recorded “Village of Love” when he was 18 years old. It was released on Fortune Records, who then leased the record to United Artists Records for wider distribution. Follow-ups such as “Leave Me Alone” (late ‘62) and “I Had a Dream” (‘63) failed to duplicate the success of “Village of Love” (although both records, especially “Leave Me Alone,” sold well regionally.) In 1966, Mayer released “I Want Love and Affection (Not the House of Correction),” a funky offering in the James Brown vein. He then split with Fortune Records due to differences.
He disappeared for several decades, but he staged a full-fledged musical comeback in 2002. His once-sweet soul scream had deepened to a rasping growl, giving his latter albums a completely new feel. He played clubs and festivals, gaining a new generation of fans with his exciting live shows. In 2004, Mayer released I Just Want to Be Held via Fat Possum Records. Another new album, Why Don’t You Give It to Me, appeared in 2007 via Alive Records, with assistance from members of the Black Keys, Dirtbombs, the Sights, and Outrageous Cherry.
Here is Mayer backed by Troy Greggory (Dirtbombs), Matthew Smith (Outrageous Cherry), and Dave (SSM) live at the Double Down Saloon for the February 2008 Sailor Jerry Party: