Funk and soul singer Joe Quarterman earned the nickname “Sir” in high school while singing with a group called the Knights. During the course of his career, Quarterman took his James Brown-influenced sound and joined up with multiple groups such as Sir Joe and the Maidens and the El Corols, and made a few records during the early ’60s. In 1970 Quarterman formed Sir Joe Quarterman and Free Soul and released numerous highly-influential singles, the biggest being “(I Got) So Much Trouble in My Mind,” in 1973. Further singles full of socially conscious funk followed, including “This Girl of Mine (She’s Good to Me),” “I’m Gonna Get You” and “Thanks Dad.” Quarterman quit the business to return to college and earn his degree in architecture, but since has been making a comeback into music. Bow to Sir Joe Quarterman when he performs at Balliceaux on Saturday, May 19, at 10:30 p.m. $10-$12. 355-3008.