b. October 28, 1932 in Stringtown, MS. d. May 2, 2011 in Chicago, IL. Playing guitar and singing the blues from an early age, Banks was strongly influenced by B.B. King. Eventually settling in Chicago, Illinois, he became a significant presence on the city’s vibrant blues scene, attracting audiences and followers. His international reputation was enhanced through a late 90s recording contract with Wolf Records in Austria. In the early 00s, the L.V. Banks Blues Band included sidemen such as Michael Thomas (rhythm guitar), Ike Anderson (bass) and Dwayne Manuel (drums). On occasion, as for example on his 2000 release Ruby, Banks adds boogie-woogie piano, played in this particular instance by Allen Batts. Banks’ son, Tre Banks, also plays guitar and sings, displaying in his work his father’s influence.
He died of heart failure in the South Shore Hospital, Chicago in May 2011, aged 78. His son, Tre', is following his father's tradition as a Chicago based blues musician.