Natchez-based drummer, harmonica player and vocalist Hezekiah Early was born on October 7, 1934 on a farm in the community of Anna’s Bottom, located about a dozen miles north of Natchez adjacent to the Mississippi River. He initially played at informal parties and picnics, and then later clubs out in the country and in Natchez. In 1954 they began working at Natchez’ Wagon Wheel, a white club, and around the same time also worked in nearby Ferriday, Louisiana as part of the house band at Haney’s Big House, which was one of the most important clubs in the region, often featuring national acts.