A towering figure in stature and the world of blues, is a force to be reckoned with in the music scene. In 2016, his exceptional talent was officially recognized as he was inducted into the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame, a well-deserved honor for his nearly two decades of dedicated contributions to the genre. With his signature Southpaw Blues style and a voice that seems to carry the weight of life's stories, Mercer is a true artist. His lyrics are a heartfelt narrative of the human experience, and his guitar skills, both aggressive and soulful, add a layer of depth to his music that is simply mesmerizing. Standing at a towering 6'10" and weighing 300 pounds, Mercer's physical presence matches his musical prowess. His stage presence can not be ignored, and his personality is as grand as his stature. When he steps onto the stage, he owns it, and the audience can't help but be drawn into his world of Blues. Performing almost 200 shows annually, Mercer and his band are a constant presence in the Midwest music scene and beyond. They have a remarkable ability to capture the hearts of fans and garner praise from music critics. Each performance is an electrifying experience, where Mercer's passion for the Blues shines through every note he plays and every lyric he sings. His dedication to the Blues goes beyond the stage. Mercer is a true ambassador of the genre, ensuring that the soulful sound of Blues continues to reach new audiences. His induction into the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame was a recognition of his past accomplishments and a nod to his ongoing commitment to preserving and advancing this beloved musical tradition. As Marty "Big Dog" Mercer continues to howl the Blues through his guitar and vocals, he carries the spirit of those who had come before him while inspiring a new generation of Blues enthusiasts. His journey through the blues is far from over, and his legacy will resonate for years to come. Timeline 2003 - Released first album titled "Swamp Boogie" (self) 2007 - Crowned Joliet, IL's "King Of The Blues" at Guitar Center 2010 - Signed a four-year recording contract with Electro Glide Records 2010 - Released second album titled "Attack of the Southpaw" (EGR) 2010 - Placed second in the Muddy Waters Slide Guitar Championship 2011 - Awarded "Best Blues Band" by SuburbaNites Magazine Awards 2011 - Released third album titled "Big Dog" Mercer (EGR) 2012 - Awarded "Best Blues Band" by SuburbaNites Magazine Awards 2012 - Tied for first place in the Chicago Blues Challenge at Chicago Blues Festival 2013 - Inducted into the Joliet Blues Hall of Fame 2015 - Awarded "Best Blues Artist" in the Kankakee Valley music awards 2016 - Released fourth album titled "It Ain't Easy" (self) 2016 - Inducted into the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame 2017 - Awarded "Best Blues Artist" in the Kankakee Valley music awards 2017 - Performed two shows at the Blues on the Bay festival in Warrenpoint, UK (N. Ireland) 2018 - Performed six shows at the Blues on the Bay festival in Warrenpoint, UK (N. Ireland) 2018 - Performed live on BBC during the Blues on the Bay festival in Warrenpoint, UK (N. Ireland) 2019 - Performed 13 shows in Ireland, including eight performances at the Blues on the Bay festival in Warrenpoint, UK. (N. Ireland) 2020 - Nominated for "Artist of the Year" & "Best Blues Artist" for Region Music Awards 2021 - Awarded "Best Blues Artist" for Region Music Awards 2023 - Placed second in the local International Blues Challenge 2024 - Recorded 6 songs for Charles Colbert of the American Breed and Chaka Khan. 2025 - Released fifth album titled “Live at the Roxy", which has been nominated as “Best self-produced album of 2025”
