Background
He was born in the post-Depression era and prohibition, during the onset of World World War II, and prior to the recognized inception of the American Civil Rights movement.
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Henry Pressley
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Pressley was partially named for President Franklin Delano Roosevelt with respect to the many social ideals and projects Roosevelt promoted to improve the status of citizenship, quality of life, and social/racial rights and justice for blacks. Henry Roosevelt Pressley, Senior taught himself to play the guitar as an adolescent, watching other community and family musicians. As he developed, he also learned to play the organ and piano, bass guitar, and drums.
He played around with the violin from time to time.
Pressley had a great affinity for the tonal resonance of the saxophone. He has been on many vinyl recordings and has even played back-up parts for James Brown, in his early days.
He eventually formed his own soul band, The Mighty Soul Brothers, playing sounds similar to that of Sam Cooke, King Curtis, Otis Redding, and The O"Jays for local Supper Clubs and events. The group often played at Martin"s Supper Club in Augusta, Georgia.
Henry Roosevelt Pressley, Senior died July 6, 2005 at his home in North Augusta, South Carolina at the age of 60.
