The National Blues Museum is pleased to host a special live interview event focused on the life and legacy of local R&B music legend Marcel Strong. The interview will be between Strong and Dr. Terry R. Yochum and his son, Phil Yochum. Dr. Yochum is a longtime admirer and personal friend of Strong’s.
Raised in East St. Louis, Strong has been performing for over 50 years and has worked with some of the greatest musicians from the region and beyond, including Muddy Waters, Ike and Tina Turner, Billy Peake, Oliver Sain, Albert King, Fontella Bass, and Bob Cuban. As a songwriter, Strong might be best known for penning the hit “Mumble in My Ear,” which was recorded by Clarence Carter and country singer Razzy Bailey. The song hit #33 on the R&B charts and #10 on the country music charts, respectively.
Strong has also released a string of recordings through his career both solo and with groups, including “Time to Pay (You Back)” and “Trying To Make Up” (recorded with Marcel Strong and the Triad) on the now-defunct Emerge Records label. In 2006 he was recognized as “Best Male Vocalist” by the Riverfront Times. Strong still performs today with his band, the Apostles, at several venues in town, including Hammerstone’s and Casa Loma Ballroom.
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