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Black Merda was a funky rock band with a strong influence from Jimi Hendrix, blending fuzz-toned psychedelic blues-rock with folky acoustic elements and contemporary late-'60s soul. The group was formed in the late '60s by guitarists Anthony and Charles Hawkins, bassist VC Veasey (also known as Veesee L. Veasey), and drummer Tyrone Hite. They initially played in a band called the Soul Agents, backing artists like Edwin Starr and Gene Chandler. Inspired by Hendrix's album "Are You Experienced?", they added Charles, Anthony's younger brother, on second guitar and adopted the name Black Merda. Despite gaining some traction in their Detroit hometown, including interest from figures like Norman Whitfield and Eddie Kendricks, Black Merda signed with Chess Records, aided by the psychedelic soul artist Fugi (aka Ellington Jordan), whom they also supported on his album "Mary, Don't Take Me on No Bad Trip." The band's self-titled debut album was considered revolutionary, though the members felt it did not capture the energy of their live performances. After relocating to the West Coast to continue working with Fugi, they returned to Chicago to record a second album. They shortened their name to Mer-Da and released "Long Burn the Fire" in 1971, which showcased a funkier sound reminiscent of early Funkadelic. Although the band quickly disbanded, interest from record collectors over the following decades led to a reunion featuring Veasey

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