Jimmy "Midnight Cowboy" Pryor, also the King of the Blues in Iowa was born in Beckley, West Virginia on February 5, 1916.  Jimmy got his start in the music business when he was eight years old.  He learned to play the piano by watching an old piano player.  Like many true musicians, he has never learned to read music but never misses a note.  Jimmy graduated from high school at age 16 from Mount Hope, West Virginia in 1934.  During his high school years he carried a ukulele to school everyday, where he entertained all those who would listen to him.

The first recording contract was with Flick Records Company in Detroit, Michigan in 1959.  His show bill name was "The Batman".  Soon after his contract was established, his booking manager encouraged him to go to Des Moines, Iowa where he would be able to establish a sound musical career.  Jimmy has done just that.  He has played in clubs all over the state and is introduced to the stage as the "Midnight Cowboy".

Jimmy has established a long history of playing with various artists; John Lee Hooker, Sonny Boy Williams Sr., Cab Calloway, Count Basie, B.B.King, Tiny Bradshaw, Duke Ellington, to name a few.  Jimmy is not only recognized by talented Blues musicians, he also played with various Gospel groups such as The Sons Of Harmony in Oak Hill, West Virginia.  The group was highlighted on the radio station WOAY.

In Des Moines, Iowa, Jimmy formed his own gospel group called The Mighty Revelators.  The talent of this musician has been widely recognized by his recent inductions into both the Professional Musician and Entertainers Club of Iowa, Iowa Country Music Hall Of Fame and the Iowa Blues Hall Of Fame.

Jimmy has played with many talented local musicians and is currently the showman of Fat Tuesday.  When not playing a regular gig, he rarely misses the opportunity to hit the stage at a jam session at local clubs.  Although he can play the piano and guitar, today Jimmy travels light carrying his treasured horn which he started using in 1991.  The horn is unique in that it's considered to be a kazoo inside a horn shell.  However, it has a much richer sound and blends in with any combination of instruments.  It was manufactured by Mattel Toy Company in 1967 for a limited period of time.

The "Midnight Cowboy" has made a significant contribution to the music arena and enjoys all types of music.  Today, at 84 years young, he is a favorite stage personality wherever he performs as he loves to interact with the audience.  

Jimmy recently released a CD of vintage recordings from 1967 titled, Jimmy Pryor One More Time, Live at Pines Club.  Be sure to pick up a copy next time you run into Jimmy...