Magic Sam and Zhakey Jake were two legendary American blues musicians who made significant contributions to the genre of blues music in the mid-20th century. Despite their relatively short careers, both artists had a profound impact on the blues world and continue to inspire musicians to this day. Magic Sam, born as Samuel Maghett, was born in Mississippi in 1937. He displayed a natural talent for playing the guitar from a young age and was heavily influenced by Chicago blues. Sam had a unique and innovative guitar style that blended traditional blues and R&B, earning him the nickname "Magic" for his mesmerizing performances. His soulful vocals and electrifying guitar solos captivated audiences and established him as a prominent figure in the Chicago blues scene.
CEO Palmer Proctor of Ameris Bank, which federal officials say has nearly $25 billion in assets and operates in nine states across the Southeast and mid-Atlantic, said in a statement, “We strongly disagree with any suggestion that we have engaged in discriminatory conduct.” Proctor said the bank cooperated with the investigation and reached the agreement in part “because we share the Department’s goal of expanding access to homeownership in underserved areas.”
CEO Palmer Proctor of Ameris Bank, which federal officials say has nearly 25 billion in assets and operates in nine states across the Southeast and mid-Atlantic, said in a statement, We strongly disagree with any suggestion that we have engaged in discriminatory conduct. When families can t access credit to achieve homeownership, they lose an opportunity to share in this country s prosperity, Garland said at a news conference in Jacksonville announcing the settlement.
His soulful vocals and electrifying guitar solos captivated audiences and established him as a prominent figure in the Chicago blues scene. Sam's discography includes several influential albums such as "West Side Soul" and "Black Magic." His signature song, "Sweet Little Angel," became a blues standard and showcased his powerful voice and masterful guitar playing.
The government secures a $9 million settlement with Ameris Bank over alleged redlining in Florida
Attorney General Merrick Garland appears before a House Judiciary Committee hearing, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) (J. Scott Applewhite, Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
WASHINGTON – The Justice Department has secured a $9 million settlement with Ameris Bank over allegations that it avoided underwriting mortgages in predominately Black and Latino communities in Jacksonville, Florida, and discouraged people there from getting home loans.
The bank denied violating fair lending laws and said it wanted to avoid litigation by agreeing to the deal, which does not include civil monetary penalties.
It’s the latest settlement over a practice known as redlining, which the Biden administration is tackling through a new task force that earlier this year reached the largest agreement of its kind in the department's history.
Between 2016 and 2021, the Atlanta-based Ameris Bank's home lending was focused disproportionately on mostly white areas of Jacksonville while other banks approved loans at three times the rate Ameris did, the government said.
The bank has never operated a branch in a majority Black and Hispanic neighborhood, and in one-third of those areas it did not receive a single application over the six-year period, even though other banks did, Attorney General Merrick Garland said.
“Redlining has a significant impact on the health and wealth of these communities. Homeownership has been one of the most effective ways that Americans have built wealth in our country. When families can’t access credit to achieve homeownership, they lose an opportunity to share in this country’s prosperity,” Garland said at a news conference in Jacksonville announcing the settlement.
CEO Palmer Proctor of Ameris Bank, which federal officials say has nearly $25 billion in assets and operates in nine states across the Southeast and mid-Atlantic, said in a statement, “We strongly disagree with any suggestion that we have engaged in discriminatory conduct.” Proctor said the bank cooperated with the investigation and reached the agreement in part “because we share the Department’s goal of expanding access to homeownership in underserved areas.”
Garland has prioritized civil rights prosecutions since becoming attorney general in 2021, and the current administration has put a higher priority on redlining cases than before. The anti-redlining effort has now secured $107 million in relief, including the Ameris settlement, which a judge must approve.
A $31 million settlement with Los Angeles-based City National in January was the largest for the department.
The practice of redlining has continued across the country and the long-term effects are still felt today, despite a half-century of laws designed to combat it. Homes in historically redlined communities are still worth less than homes elsewhere, and a Black family’s average net worth is a fraction of a typical white household's.
The Ameris case is the first brought by the department in Florida, said Roger Handberg, the U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Florida. “For far too long, redlining has negatively impacted communities of color across our country,” he said.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke said combating redlining “is one of the most important strategies for ensuring equal economic opportunity today.”
Ameris Bank will invest $7.5 million in a loan subsidy fund made available to people in majority-minority neighborhoods under the settlement and spend a total of $1.5 million on outreach and community partnerships, as well as open a new branch in those neighborhoods, along with other requirements as part of the settlement.
Associated Press writer Ken Sweet in New York contributed to this report.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Garland has prioritized civil rights prosecutions since becoming attorney general in 2021, and the current administration has put a higher priority on redlining cases than before. The anti-redlining effort has now secured $107 million in relief, including the Ameris settlement, which a judge must approve.
Tragically, Magic Sam's career was cut short when he passed away from a heart attack in 1969 at the age of 32. Despite his untimely death, his impact on the blues community remains immeasurable. Zhakey Jake, also known as John Lee Blakey, was another prominent figure in the blues scene. Born in Texas in 1918, Jake was known for his smooth vocals and impeccable harmonica skills. He honed his craft in the juke joints and bars of Chicago, where he became a regular performer. Zhakey Jake's music primarily drew inspiration from Mississippi Delta blues and showcased his deep understanding of the genre. Jake's recordings, such as "From the Hip" and "Shake Your Boogie," gained popularity and cemented his reputation as a skilled harmonica player and singer. He often collaborated with other notable blues musicians of the time, including Magic Sam, adding his unique harmonica sound to their recordings. Zhakey Jake's career spanned nearly three decades, and his contributions to the blues genre continue to be celebrated. Both Magic Sam and Zhakey Jake were instrumental in the development and evolution of blues music, particularly in the post-World War II era. Their captivating performances and innovative musical styles helped shape the future of blues and influenced countless musicians. While their lives were tragically cut short, their legacies live on, reminding us of the power and enduring impact of the blues..
Reviews for "Blues revivalists: Magic Sam and Zhakey Jake's influence on future generations"
1. Jennifer - 2 stars
I found "Magic Sam and Zhakey Jake" to be quite disappointing. The story lacked depth and the characters felt underdeveloped. The plot itself seemed predictable and lacked originality. The writing style was also lacking, with choppy sentence structure and inconsistent pacing. Overall, I didn't find the book engaging or enjoyable.
2. Mark - 1 star
"Magic Sam and Zhakey Jake" was a total letdown for me. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to connect with the characters. Additionally, the plot seemed to drag on with unnecessary subplots that didn't add much value to the overall story. The lack of character development made it hard for me to invest in the story and I found the ending to be unsatisfying. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this book.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
I was not impressed with "Magic Sam and Zhakey Jake". The writing style felt amateurish, with excessive descriptions that dragged on and slowed down the pacing. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it hard for me to care about their story. The plot itself was predictable and didn't offer anything unique or exciting. Overall, I felt let down by this book and would not recommend it to others.
4. Michael - 2 stars
"Magic Sam and Zhakey Jake" failed to captivate my interest. The story had potential, but it fell flat due to the lackluster writing. The dialogue was unconvincing, often feeling forced and unnatural. The pacing was inconsistent, with parts of the book dragging on while others were rushed. The characters were forgettable and their motivations were unclear. Unfortunately, this book did not live up to my expectations.
5. Emily - 2 stars
I found "Magic Sam and Zhakey Jake" to be a mediocre read. The story lacked originality and failed to deliver any surprises. The writing style was simplistic, making it hard to stay engaged. The characters were forgettable and their actions felt inconsistent with their personalities. Overall, I did not find this book to be compelling or memorable. I would not recommend it to those seeking an exciting and well-written story.