Born on August 9, 1908, in Stafford, Texas, Robert Shaw was an American blues
and boogie-woogie pianist who began playing the family grand piano despite his
father's opposition. After learning a barrelhouse style in the Fourth Ward of
Houston, Shaw moved to Texas cities such as Dallas and Austin, operating a
grocery store while performing in local clubs. In 1963, the pianist recorded the
album Texas Barrelhouse Piano, which Arhoolie Records later reissued under the
title The Ma Grinder. The release featured tracks such as “Ma Grinder” and “The
Cows”. Shaw’s career revived in the ...