His mother, Josephine Erby, was a guitarist who had worked with Memphis Minnie and Bessie Smith, and his stepfather, Frank Houston Spann, was a preacher and musician.

Spann performed solo with the guitarist Morris Pejoe, working a regular spot at the Tic Toc Lounge.

[7] He played on many of Waters' most famous songs, including the blues standards "Hoochie Coochie Man," "I'm Ready," and "Got My Mojo Working.

"[7] During his tenure with the group, he continued to record as a solo artist and session player with other musicians, including Bo Diddley and Howlin' Wolf.

The Blues Is Where It's At, Spann's 1966 album for ABC-Bluesway, includes contributions from George "Harmonica" Smith, Muddy Waters, and Sammy Lawhorn.

In 2012, Silk City Records released Someday, featuring live and studio performances from 1967 produced by the noted blues guitarist Son Lewis.

"[14] That same year, Village Voice critic Robert Christgau called Spann "the greatest modern blues pianist.