Powell St. John cut his teeth at Austin's Threadgill's Bar, performing with Janis Joplin and Lanny Wiggins in a trio called The Waller Creek Boys. Later, in answer to a request for material from Tommy Hall of the 13th Floor Elevators, St. John wrote five songs for their two first albums. In the late 60's, Powell formed the blues/rock band Mother Earth with Tracy Nelson, releasing several albums on Mercury. Among the legendary musicians who have sung and recorded Powell's songs are Janis Joplin (Bye, Bye Baby), Boz Scaggs (I'll Forever Sing), Roky Erickson (Right Track Now) and Doug Sahm (You Don't Know). The Texas Music Hall of Fame inducted Powell in 2005.
