Jimmy Carl Black

Date of Birth: February 1, 1938

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: November 1, 2008

Biography

Jimmy Carl Black was an American drummer and vocalist, known for his work with Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention. Born as James Inkanish Jr. on February 1, 1938, in El Paso, Texas, Black was of Native American descent, specifically Cheyenne. He adopted the stage name Jimmy Carl Black in tribute to his stepfather, Carl Black. His career spanned several decades, and he became known for his distinctive drumming style and charismatic stage presence. Black joined The Mothers of Invention in 1964 and contributed to some of the band’s most iconic albums, including “Freak Out!” (1966) and “We’re Only in It for the Money” (1968). His catchphrase “Hi, boys and girls, I’m Jimmy Carl Black, and I’m the Indian of the group” became a notable part of the band’s identity. After The Mothers of Invention disbanded in 1969, Black continued to work with various artists, including Captain Beefheart and Geronimo Black, a band he formed with other ex-Mothers members. Later in his life, he moved to Europe, where he continued to perform and record music until his passing.

5 Interesting Facts about Jimmy Carl Black

1. Jimmy Carl Black was a member of the Cheyenne tribe and often referred to his Native American heritage in his performances.

2. He served in the United States Air Force before beginning his music career.

3. Black appeared in Frank Zappa’s 1971 film “200 Motels,” playing himself.

4. He moved to Europe in the early 1990s and lived in Germany until his death.

5. Jimmy Carl Black was posthumously inducted into the Native American Music Awards Hall of Fame in 2009.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jimmy Carl Black

1. “Hi, boys and girls, I’m Jimmy Carl Black, and I’m the Indian of the group.”

2. “Music is the best way to get out of this world.”

3. “Frank Zappa was a genius, but he was also a very demanding bandleader.”

4. “I’ll always be grateful to the fans who appreciated my work over the years.”

5. “Life may be short, but music makes it meaningful.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At his peak, Jimmy Carl Black’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million.

Children

Jimmy Carl Black had several children. He had five sons: Geronimo, James, Johnny, Billy, and Jeff. His dedication to family was evident, and his children occasionally performed with him during his later years.