A towering presence in both stature and sound, Marty “Big Dog” Mercer is a commanding force in the modern blues scene. Inducted into the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame in 2016, Mercer has spent nearly two decades delivering authentic, high-energy Chicago blues and rock to audiences across the Midwest and beyond.
Known for his signature Southpaw Blues guitar style and a voice shaped by real-life experience, Mercer blends aggressive, soulful guitar work with lyrics that speak directly to the human condition. His powerful stage presence and larger-than-life personality draw audiences in from the first note and never let go.
Delmark Records has aptly described Marty “Big Dog” Mercer as “pure Chicago blues.”
Performing nearly 150 shows a year, Mercer and his band have built a strong reputation for electrifying live performances that connect with both fans and critics. Their latest release, Live at the Roxy, earned a nomination for Best Self-Produced Album of the Year, capturing the raw energy and passion of their live show.
In 2026, Mercer advanced to the semifinals of the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee, standing shoulder to shoulder with some of the finest blues acts from around the world, further solidifying their place among today’s standout blues artists. A true ambassador of the genre, Marty “Big Dog” Mercer continues to honor blues traditions while pushing the music forward for new audiences.
Timeline
2003 - Released first album titled "Swamp Boogie" (self)
2007 - Crowned Joliet, IL's "King Of The Blues" at Guitar Center
2009 - Signed a four-year recording contract with Electro Glide Records
2010 - Released second album titled "Attack of the Southpaw" (EGR)
2010 - Placed second in the Muddy Waters Slide Guitar Championship
2011 - Awarded "Best Blues Band" by SuburbaNites Magazine Awards
2011 - Released third album titled "Big Dog" Mercer (EGR)
2012 - Awarded "Best Blues Band" by SuburbaNites Magazine Awards
2012 - Tied for first place in the Chicago Blues Challenge at Chicago Blues Festival
2013 - Inducted into the Joliet Blues Hall of Fame
2015 - Awarded "Best Blues Artist" in the Kankakee Valley music awards
2016 - Released fourth album titled "It Ain't Easy" (self)
2016 - Inducted into the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame
2017 - Awarded "Best Blues Artist" in the Kankakee Valley music awards
2017 - Performed two shows at the Blues on the Bay festival in Warrenpoint, UK (N. Ireland)
2018 - Performed six shows at the Blues on the Bay festival in Warrenpoint, UK (N. Ireland)
2018 - Performed live on BBC during the Blues on the Bay festival in Warrenpoint, UK (N. Ireland)
2019 - Performed 13 shows in Ireland, including eight performances at the Blues on the Bay festival in Warrenpoint, UK. (N. Ireland)
2020 - Nominated for "Artist of the Year" & "Best Blues Artist" for Region Music Awards
2021 - Awarded "Best Blues Artist" for Region Music Awards
2023 - Placed second in the local International Blues Challenge
2024 - Recorded 6 songs for Charles Colbert of the American Breed and Chaka Khan.
2025 - Released fifth album titled “Live at the Roxy", which has been nominated as “Best self-produced album of 2025”
2025 - Winners of the Chicago Blues Challenge at Buddy Guy's Legends in Chicago
2026 - Advanced to the semifinals in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennesee
2026 - Performed live on King Biscuit Time Radio hour in Helena, Ak. The longest running Blues program, ever.
