Memphis Slim was a huge, shrewd, imposing blues singer and pianist. Born in Memphis Tennesee, 1915, where his career began playing the blues began, Memphis' first set out playing piano as Big Bill Broonzy's partner until 1944 before finding his own unique identity. Later he was associated with guitarist Matt Murphy and bassman Willie Dixon.

He penned blues standards "Every Day I Have the Blues" and "Mother Earth". Although he performed under the name Memphis Slim at the various juke joints and uptown clubs from which became well known, he published his songs under his real name of Peter Chatman.

In the early '60s, he moved to France where his career continued to thrive and where he was named Commander in the Order of the Arts and Letters by the Ministry of Culture. Memphis Slim died at the age of 72 in February 1988 in Paris France.