Born in Lambert, Mississippi, he came to Memphis, Tennessee as a teen and graduated from Melrose High School.
Song Bird released an album titled Tribute In Prayer (from A Soldier In Vietnam) in 1966.
Mays' church sermons were aired on the WLOK and WBBP local radio stations.
[2] Mays' 1966 album, and a 1970 song, show conflicting attitudes about the Vietnam War.
[17] His song "Don't Let the Devil Ride" was covered by numerous artists, including Brother Joe May, Bishop Dready Manning, The Campbell Brothers and Lucinda Williams.