VC L "The Mighty V!" Veasey is a Bassist, Guitarist, Writer, a founding member and one the chief architects of the pioneering sound of first black rock band “Black Merda”. He was the primary writer for the band’s first self-titled classic album “Black Merda” released on the Chess record label in 1970. VC penned and sang lead on their classic track “Cynthy-Ruth” featured on “Chains and Black Exhaust” a now legendary bootleg release of forgotten singles by black rock and funk rock acts, which garnered the band international cult status among serious record collectors and others.
VC wrote and sang lead on “Reality” and “That’s The Way It Goes”. He sang lead and shared writer’s credit on “Good-Luck” with Mary Jean Hawkins for the ideas she contributed to the theme of the song about things that superstitious people do to ward off bad luck. He wrote the instrumental “Wind Song”, (which was originally a vocal with a different title) when he was just 15 years old, but shared writers’ credits for the song, with his band mates, though he was actually, the sole writer of the song.
He collaborated with his then writing partner Anthony Hawkins on “Prophet” and “Ashamed” and “I don’t want to die”. He also wrote and sang lead on “Lying” and “My Mistake on “Black Merda's second classic album “Long Burn The Fire!” (1972) but shared writers’ credit with his partners Anthony and Charles Hawkins as they did with him on the songs they wrote on that album. “Lying” was sampled by the rapper “Ja Rule” for the title track of his “Exodus” CD.
After thinking about all the Black People being killed in the 1960s during the Civil Rights movement VC suggested that the band change its name from the "SouL Agents" to “BLACK MURDER” to shock public awareness and bring attention to that unjust situation as well as be an expression of the band’s dynamic sound and image. Later the spelling was changed to “BLACK MERDA” but was still pronounced “BLACK MURDER”.
BLACK MERDA means “The Killing Of Black People”
In 1975 VC conceived the name "Brainstorm" for a band that included himself, Charles Hawkins, Charles (Chuck) Overton, Larry Sims, Belita Woods and Renell Gonsalves. The band successfully played the Detroit club scene including the famed “20 Grand” but VC and Hawkins exited Brainstorm before the remaining members went on to record their single "Lovin' Is Really My Game
I love the merda and fugi. Very underrated. You guys sound like you have such a firm understanding of delta and electric blues to help add to the influences of funk and soul/r&b.
You guys should'a been tourin with Jimi Hendrix and the Band of Gypsies!!!
just stopping by to see if you're interested in our project....
We've started a collaborative radio station - and we're looking for people to contribute to our output....have a look, have a listen and join up if you'd like to join in!!!
Thanks for the request. I really love the music. Keep on playing, man. Whenever you have the time, please check out my new song called "Darkness." It comes in four parts. It is a musical saga. Have a great week. Positive vibes. Cosmic energy is in full effect. Peace.
hi VC how are you going?..hope to get your solo stuff soon at home brother...when will you come in France to play?--let me know if you will, it would be so great pleasure to meet up there..yours--GR