This was by far the most entertaining interview I have done to date. Hannibal was a gentleman and a comedian. The man knows how to deliver a one liner. He has been in the music business for more than 50 years. He has seen it all and outlived most of his peers. We talked about everything under the sun. It seems he has had plenty of ups and downs. With a new album out and a new young fan base maybe he will see his career rise again. Thank you for your time. Check it…

Dry Ink: I hear you are originally from Atlanta?

Hannibal: You got it, born in Grady Hospital in August of ‘39.

DI: And can we talk about your real name?

H: Man, everyone knows I’m James Shaw but I’ve always been Hannibal.

DI: When did you adopt the name Hannibal?

H: I got that name in 1959. I feel like I’ve always been Hannibal though.

DI: How long were you in Atlanta for?

H: Until I got old enough to escape. I joined the Army in 1956. I was there long enough to quit. I won’t let anyone make a fool out of me. I was just there for a minute. I told them, “I quit,” and they said, “You can’t do that.” I told them “you just watch me.” I wasn’t adaptable for military life. I was only there for 9 months.

DI: And when did you get into the music business?

H: I’ve been recording since 1958. I’ve been in different cities since then. I moved to Los Angeles in ’58. I was there ‘til ’64. I had a hit in 1964 called “Baby, Please Change Your Mind.” In 1969 I moved back to Atlanta. I spent most of the 70’s in Atlanta. I liked living in Atlanta but I need to be where the paper is at. I live in the Bronx now. That is where they sign the checks at. I moved here in 1983.

DI: You have been to Atlanta recently though to play a show.

H: Yeah, I was there to play with The Black Lips. They’re like my little kids. It was a good show and it was good to be back. Jared the bass player is my boy. I love that kid. I am hoping they cover one of my records because those boys are going places.

DI: And I understand you will be here in a few weeks to take part in Burn to Shine Atlanta?

H: Yeah, that is gonna be cool. We fly in on the 28th of July and we perform on Sunday the 29th. Then back to New York City. I will be doing a song and my wife will be doing a song too. My wife, man, she is crazy. Wait ‘til you hear her sing man.

DI: It seems that your music has had a bit of a revival.

H: Yes it has. It seems like every 10 years or so someone brings me up as an influence. I’ve had a lot of ups and downs. I’ve had 3 careers, I think. I’d like to thank The Black Lips and anyone else who has been preaching the mighty word of Hannibal. I’ll take whatever I can get.

DI: With James Brown’s passing last year, it seems that you’re one of the last real soul singers.

H: Yeah, that was a shock and it wasn’t. I loved James. He worked hard, man. I saw him play in clubs smaller than my living room back in the day. He brought something to the table.

DI: Are you doing any other shows this summer?

H: I’m doing a few shows here and there in New York but I need to be getting out there and doing it. I’m 68 years old and I’m blind. I can’t play too much. I’ll play 30 shows this year. BB King is 81 years old and plays 300 shows a year. It’s about the paper and he’s getting it.

DI: How long have you been in show business now?

H: I’ve been in this business 54 years. I’ve had hit records. I’ve been over the pond, played different cities, different countries. I was a pimp for a minute. I’ve done a movie. I’ve done TV.

DI: What movie were you in?

H: I did Roots 2. I did a TV series with Michael J. Fox in 1980. I was an extra. I played the town drunk. It was called “Palmerstown USA.” It got cancelled.

DI: Can you talk about your days as a pimp?

H: I’ll tell you it all. My life is an open book, man. That was when I was in Los Angeles. I played that game but it didn’t work out. It messed me up in the music business. I needed to get some focus and concentrate on the paper. I was addicted to the crack pipe until a few years ago and that messed me up too. Now I got the lord in my life. I don’t drink nothing or touch none of that stuff. It messed me up with my family and my wife. I sorted all of that out though. They forgave me. I’m a good man and I am trying to concentrate on the music. Let me tell you about show business. It’s 90% business and 10% show. I won’t walk across the street for you unless I know I am going to get paid. I ain’t too proud to beg.

DI: What do you want to be remembered for?

H: As a black singer and entertainer. I wanted to be remembered for being the creator of “Message Music.” I wrote an anti-Vietnam song in 1966 called “Hymn No. 5.” They wouldn’t play it on the radio because it spoke the truth. And it became a big hit. I want to be remembered as a singer who told the truth, as a singer with a message. I paved the way for a lot of these cats. And I just want my props. James Brown taught black folks to be proud. I want people to know that I taught that too.

DI: You have a new record out. What is the title?

H: It’s called “The Resurrection of The Mighty Hannibal.” It is a fitting title because it is my re-birth. Let me tell you brother, I will rise again.

DI: I hope you do, I hope you do. Do you have any parting words?

H: Yes, You are always on stage 24/7 ‘cause someone is always watching. Live life like you’re on stage.

DI: That is good advice. I’ll take it.

Tom Cheshire is the publisher of Dry Ink Magazine. Write to him at tom@dryinkmag.com