Boogie Jake (born Mathew Jacobs, August 2, 1927 - December 6, 2013) was a blues singer and guitarist from Marksville, Louisiana, USA.
Like many blues artists with a small discography, Jacobs was a reluctant performer, even at the height of his limited popularity. Learning guitar from a neighbour, Ernest Barrow, Jacobs’ first public performance was with his second cousin, Little Walter Jacobs, at the Golden Lantern Club in Marksville. Soon afterwards, he moved to Baton Rouge. Whist working in a factory during the day and playing clubs at night, he met drummer Joe Hudson. They played clubs such as the Apex & Rhythm. He came to the notice of Jay Miller and was invited to play on a Slim Harpo session, supposedly playing the distinctive guitar riff on ‘King Bee’. Miller, who gave Jacobs the stage name of Boogie Jake recorded Jacobs some time later, in company with Lazy Lester and Katie Webster. Of several titles, only ‘Early Morning Blues’ and ‘I Don’t Know Why’ were issued decades later on Flyright.
In 1959, he was approached by New Orleans record distributor Joe Banashak, who proposed that Jacobs launch his Minit Records label. ‘Early Morning Blues’ and ‘Bad Luck And Trouble’ (‘I Don’t Know Why’ in disguise) were recorded in June of that year.
![]()
About a month later, a second single was recorded, ‘Loaded Down’, and the swamp-pop ‘Chance For Your Love’. Jacobs’ music had the flavour of the juke joint and his first single was picked up for national distribution by Chess Records.
For a time, he toured with other Minit artists and alongside Lightnin’ Slim. Although his music career was going strong, disillusionment caused him to take his family west to California, where his wife left him.
He remained outside music throughout the 60s working various day jobs. Whist working at the University of California he was re-discovered by Tom Mazzolin.
![]()
His appearance at the 1974 San Francisco Blues Festival led to more regular work and a session for the Blues Connoisseur label in 1977 from which his single was issued with the harmonica player Mark Hummel. At this time, he had formed a partnership with another Louisiana migrant, ‘Schoolboy’ Cleve White, but by the early 80’s he had moved to Louisianna.
![]()
His appearance at the 1974 San Francisco Blues Festival led to more regular work and a session for the Blues Connoisseur label in 1977 from which his single was issued with the harmonica player Mark Hummel. At this time, he had formed a partnership with another Louisiana migrant, ‘Schoolboy’ Cleve White, but by the early 80’s he had moved to Louisianna.
In his later years he served as a deacon in his local church and enjoyed the quiet life of rural Louisianna. Although he was a dedicated ham radio operator for more than 30 years, his main passion was the blues which he stated to “Living Blues” magazine, as keeping him active and healthy.
Jacobs died in New Orleans on December 6, 2013.
(Edited mainly from AllMusic & Digital Living blues and jukegh.blogspot.com)