In Memory 2011

Every year is a hard year for the blues.  Many of the greats have left us during this last year.  As always the blues is eternal, and they will not be forgotten.  For more detail information click HERE.

Howard Tate
Hubert Sumlin
John J Blackfoot
Lee Shot Williams
Paul Thomas
Doyle Bramhill
George Mojo Buford
Willie Big Eyes Smith
David Honey Boy Edwards
Jerry Raganoy
Jerry Leiber
Nick Ashford
Amy Winehouse
Clarence Clemmons
Benny Spellman
Cornell Dupree
L V Banks
Jack Myers
Huey P Meaux
Reggie P
Lacey Gibson
Pinetop Perkins
Melvin Sparks
Herman Roscoe Ernest III
Big Jack Johnson
Eddie Kirklane
Tom Leavey
Big Bill Collins
John Johnny Nitro Newton
Marvin Sease
Gary Moore
Jeannie Webster
Fred Sanders
Ray Galloway
Bobby Robinson

May they rest in peace. 

Howard Tate RIP

From Bob Corritore

• RIP Howard Tate - August 13, 1939 to December 2, 2011 The influential soul singer Howard Tate was best known for soul hits like "Ain't Nobody Home" and "Get It While You Can", with the later covered and re-popularized by Janis Joplin. Tate died in his New Jersey apartment of natural causes at age 72. Born in Macon, Georgia and raised in Philadelphia, Tate came into prominence in the late 1960s through the 1970s with his brilliant collaborations with producer / songwriter Jerry Ragavoy.  The recordings from this period are considered among the greatest examples of soul music ever recorded. After a tragic decline into drug addiction and homelessness during the 1980s, Howard Tate was able to pull himself together to experience a brilliant comeback with the Ragavoy produced 2003 release "Rediscovered", which was nominated for a Grammy for best contemporary blues album. The later part of his career saw many well-received festival and concert appearances and additional great recordings to add to his historic legacy. He will be fondly remembered for his blues-drenched voice complete with brilliant bursts of falsetto. That voice always sold the message of the song. To hear Howard Tate singing the original version of "Get It While You Can" click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9PawalWXUk

Hubert Sumlin RIP

Hubert Sumlin has died for more information Read HERE.  Hubert was one of the last of the great Chicago guitarists from the golden age of Chicago blues.  He played with the legendary Howling Wolf for many years.  Will update when more information becomes available.

UPDATE

From Bob Corritore

December 8, 2011

• RIP Hubert Sumlin - November 16, 1931 to December 4, 2011. Best known for his extraordinary guitar work on the 1950s and 1960s recordings of Howlin' Wolf, Hubert Sumlin is considered among the greatest guitarists of all time. Hubert passed away of a heart attack on Sunday, Dec 4 after a long bout with respiratory illness. He was 80 years old. Though his health had been problematic for years, he continued to tour and delight concert and festival audiences until close to the end. Born in Greenville, Mississippi in 1931 and raised in Hughes, Arkansas, Hubert got his first guitar at age 6. Hubert was very interested in music and as a boy snuck into a nightclub to see Howlin' Wolf perform. Hubert's youthful enthusiasm won Wolf's heart, who took the young boy in and developed a father-like mentoring role with Hubert. Wolf would move to Chicago in 1953 and a year later would call for Hubert to move to Chicago to join his band. Initially Hubert  played a secondary role in the group with guitarist Jody Williams getting most of the limelight.  But when Jody left the band about 2 years later, Hubert became the star guitarist. Hubert's unorthodox approach, using innovative rhythmic textural lines and wild bursts of lead guitar, became an integral part of the Howlin' Wolf sound., Howlin' Wolf and Muddy Waters reportedly had a rivalry going as to who had the top blues band in Chicago (both were amazing bands) and for a short period of time Muddy recruited Hubert away from Wolf only to have Hubert return to Wolf's band and never leave again. Hubert's guitar was an essential and consistent part of the success of Wolf's recordings and live shows. The music achieved by the Wolf / Sumlin combination reached the highest of heights in the blues. When Howlin' Wolf recorded the London Sessions in 1970, Hubert began a life long relationship with UK blues artists like Eric Clapton and The Rolling Stones. In 1976, when Wolf died, Hubert was devastated. At first Eddie Shaw (Wolf's saxophonist) tried to keep the Howlin' Wolf band together but Hubert would drift: spending time in Austin, Texas under the care of Clifford Antone, or in Chicago where he stayed with Sunnyland Slim. In addition to recordings with Wolf, Hubert appeared on Chicago sessions with Eddie Shaw & The Wolf Gang, Andrew McMahon, Sunnyland Slim, Louisiana Red, Carey Bell, Little Eddie, Big Mac, and others. He recorded numerous albums under his own name for L+R, Black Top, Tone-Cool, Rykodisc, APO, JSP, Blind Pig, Blues Planet, Blues Special and other labels. At a point, under the guidance of manager Toni Ann Mamary, Hubert  started to get his due as the guitar legend he was. Hubert found himself hanging around and performing with rock stars, playing major festivals, and having his historic bio, Incurable Blues, published. He was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2008, Through all this notoriety, Hubert remained the kind, gentle soul with the same boyish enthusiasm that first befriended the Howlin' Wolf. His guitar playing was always intriguing, unorthodox, and impossible to copy. As he was bedridden and nearing the last hours of his life, his final request was to play his guitar one last  time. We thank Hubert for the light of joy he shined on the world and the heavenly music that he left for future generations to behold. He was our blues blessing. Special thanks to Hugh Southard of Blue Mountain Artists, Bob Margolin, and Little Frank who worked with him frequently on the road in recent years, Pat Morgan, James Cotton, Paul Oscher, Kim Wilson, Amanda Taylor, Diunna Greenleaf, Twist Turner, Little Mike, and all his friends and fans who all were there at all times to support Hubert.

To see some amazing videos of Hubert Sumlin with the Howlin' Wolf:
"Shake For Me" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ex3nc0Km77g&feature=related
"Smokestack Lightnin" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxiYgof34iE&feature=related

Hubert Sumlin Funeral Information:
Sunday, December 11, 2011 - Viewing and Receiving of guests
2- 4 PM & 7 - 9PM
Festa Memorial
http://festamemorial.com/

111 Union Blvd.
Totowa, NJ 07512
Phone: (973) 790-8686

Monday, December 12, 2011 - Funeral Service10AM
Festa Memorial
http://festamemorial.com/

111 Union Blvd.
Totowa, NJ 07512 Phone: (973) 790-8686

Tuesday, December 13, 2011 - Chicago Area Musical Celebration Of Life
FitzGerald's
http://www.fitzgeraldsnightclub.com/
6615 W. Roosevelt Road, Berwyn, Illinois 60402
7pm doors, Donations accepted at door.

John "J Blackfoot" Colbert RIP

From the Commercial Appeal in Memphis, and from Soulbluesmusic.com comes news of the death of John "J Blackfoot" Colbert.  Colbert was a sucessful artist on the Stax lable with his band the Soul Children.  For more information from The Commercial Appeal click HERE. For a complete discography check out the Soulbluesmusic website HERE.

UPDATE

From Bob Corritore

• RIP J Blackfoot - November 20, 1946 to November 30, 2011 Soul singer J Blackfoot is best known for his work in the 1970s as lead singer with the group The Soul Children and his 1983 hit "Taxi." He died at age 73 after a year long battle with pancreatic cancer. Born John Colbert in Greenville, Mississippi and raised in Memphis,  he received his moniker as a child from frequently walking barefoot. Musical prominence came when Stax producer / songwriter David Porter recruited Blackfoot, together with Norman West, Anita Louis, and Shelbra Bennett, to form The Soul Children. Between 1968 and 1978, The Soul Children had 15 chart hits and recorded seven well-received albums. Blackfoot later recorded a number of sides under his own name and in 1983  made a hit with the ballad "Taxi". He remained an active recording artist until the end and was a very popular concert attraction in the south and in Japan and Europe. J Blackfoot's sweet voice will live on in soul music history through his legacy of fine recordings.

Lee Shot Williams RIP

Over the weekend I found out from Soulbluesmusic.com that Lee Shot Williams had passed away.  According to the website Williams album Cold Shot, was voted best blues release by the Living Blues readers in 1995. For more on Lee Shot Williams Click HERE.

Here is a video with Lee Shot Williams and Gerri Taylor



Here is a Lee Shot Williams singing Wrong Bed.  Classic soul blues music. 

Paul Thomas RIP

From Bob Corritore

Arizona Blues hall of famer Paul Thomas has died.   Article from Arizona Central is HERE. His Blues hall of fame webpage is HERE.  Will update when more news becomes available.

UPDATE 

From Bob Corritore

RIP Paul Thomas - August 27, 1955 to November 20, 2011. Paul Thomas is best known as Phoenix's blues and roots, stand-up bass master. Though not a well known name outside of the Phoenix community, chances are that you have heard some of the celebrated recordings that he played on. Paul Thomas passed away from a reported fatal combination of alcohol and pain relievers while visiting his hometown of Tucson. He was 56. Paul had moved to Phoenix in the mid 1980s and worked in numerous Arizona-based blues and roots units including The Hoodoo Kings, The Rhythm Room All-Stars, Chico Chism, Pat Roberts & The Heymakers, The Jump Back Brothers, Midnite Blues, The Rocket 88s and many others. He also had worked occasionally in bands with Junior Watson, Lynwood Slim, and Rusty Zynn. As a member of the Rhythm Room All-Stars, Paul was called upon to back many of the great blues masters live and in the studio. Paul's great bass work can be heard on nationally released CDs by Henry Gray, Mojo Buford, Pinetop Perkins, Louisiana Red, Bob Corritore, Big Pete Pearson, Chief Schabuttie Gilliame, The Hoodoo Kings and more. He was best known for his stand-up bass work in which he had championed all of the old school nuances of the instrument. He was inducted into the Arizona Blues Hall of Fame in 1999 . Paul simply loved to play bass and brought joy, humor and masterful bass playing to the bandstand each night. His absence leaves a unfillable gap in the Phoenix blues and roots scene. Paul leaves his legacy with his 20 year old son Dylan Thomas, a fine young man and a full-time professional bassist. Thank you Paul for your many years of great contributions to the Phoenix music scene. You will be greatly missed.

Doyle Bramhall RIP

Bad news from Austin.  According to the Houston Press, Doyle Bramhall has died.  Bramhall was a very important figure in creating the Austin blues scene.  More information as it become available.

For the Houston Press Article click HERE.


UPDATE

From Bob Corritore

RIP Doyle Bramhall - February 17, 1949 to November 12, 2011
This sad news just in: Texas blues legend Doyle Bramhall died from heart failure in his sleep Saturday night, at home in Alpine, Texas at the age of 62. He reportedly had been suffering from pneumonia in recent days. Bramhall was famous for his work in Austin, Texas with both Jimmie Vaughan and Stevie Ray Vaughan, as well as his great solo efforts. A top-notch drummer, singer, band leader and songwriter, Doyle helped to define the Austin blues scene. Many of his songs appeared on Stevie Ray Vaughan's most noted albums. Doyle`s son, Doyle Bramhall II continues his father’s tradition as a major musical force. To read Doyle`s bio on the Yep Rock Records website click http://www.yeproc.com/artist_info.php?artistId=200. Doyle will forever be considered an influential and important figure in Texas blues, and he will be deeply missed by his legions of fans.

George "Mojo" Buford RIP

From Bob Corritore

RIP George "Mojo" Buford - November 29, 1929 - October 11, 2011. Best known as the longtime harmonica player in the Muddy Waters Band, George "Mojo" Buford was well known for his beautiful, raw-edged harmonica style, and his rich, emotional vocals. He died in a hospital in Minneapolis this morning after suffering with various health issues since early this summer. He was 81 years old. Born in Hernando, Mississippi in 1929, Mojo relocated to Memphis, Tennessee at an early age, then landed in Chicago in 1952, and in 1962 he would find a home in Minneapolis. He had numerous periods of employment in the Muddy Waters Band spanning 4 decades; first in 1959, again in 1967, again in the early 1970s, and was part of Muddy's final band lineup of 1980. Mojo Buford was a sensitive ensemble harmonica player and could provide a gorgeous textural backing for any Chicago blues song. Mojo was also a master of the more difficult Chromatic harmonica. He would record many fine sides as both a leader and as a frontman. His own albums appear on Mr Blues, JSP, P-Vine, Blue Moon, Blue Loon, Fedora, Rooster, Blues Record Society and other labels. Mojo and Luther "Georgia Boy" Johnson were also featured vocalists for two albums on the Muse label that showcased the Muddy Waters Band of the 1960s. There was also a notorious LP on the Vernon label titled Ray Charles / On Stage At The Palladium, which actually only had 2 Ray Charles songs with the remainder by "Mo Jo & The Mo Jo Chi Fours." Collectors marvel over this false advertising - and the Mojo sides are just great! In addition to appearing on numerous sides by Muddy Waters, Mojo's harp graced recordings by Jo Jo Williams, Otis Spann, and Texas Red. Mojo was also responsible for helping Bob Margolin land his job in the Muddy Waters Band. Special thanks to drummer/manager Doug McMinn, who's efforts in the later part of Mojo's career kept him working and in the public eye. Mojo's passing, along with the recent deaths of fellow Muddy Waters alumni Pinetop Perkins, Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, and Calvin Jones, leaves us with a huge void in our hearts as we remember the sound of that glorious band. Mojo was a sweet and generous individual with a beautiful toothy grin and a kind word for every situation. He will forever be remembered in blues history as one of the great harmonica masters of the Muddy Waters Band. To hear Mojo performing "Don't Go No Further" click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ah9rK0354wk. To hear Mojo's great harmonica backing on Jo Jo Williams "All Pretty Woman" click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaLCrsvMWMs  To see a photo of Mojo. Pinetop Perkins and Willie "Big Eyes" Smith at last year's King Biscuit Blues Festival, courtesy of Bob Margolin, click here http://www.bobcorritore.com/images/Willie Smith 02.jpeg. God bless you George "Mojo" Buford.

Willie Big Eyes Smith RIP

From Bob Corritore

UPDATE

Willie "Big Eyes' Smith services announced. This just in from the Smith family about Willie "Big Eyes" Smith's services:

 

 

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Visitation 10 AM to 10 PM

Leaks & Sons Funeral Home

http://www.leakandsonsfuneralhomes.com/

7838 South Cottage Grove,  Chicago, IL 60619  Ph:773-846-6567

 

Monday, Sept 26, 2011

Wake 10am until 11am

Funeral services 11am until noon

South Park Baptist Church

http://southparkbaptistchurch.com/

3720 S. King Drive, Chicago, IL 60653 Ph. 773) 548-6566

RIP Willie "Big Eyes" Smith - January 19, 1936 to Sept 16th, 2011. It is with great sadness that we report the unexpected passing of one the true greats of the blues. Willie "Big Eyes" Smith. Willie passed away this morning of a stroke. He was 75 and was musically active until the very end. A brilliant drummer, harmonica player and vocalist, he represented the true essence of Chicago Blues, and was highly regarded by all as an undisputed master. He was an alumni of the Muddy Waters band and wore those stripes with honor. Willie "Big Eyes" Smith was born in Helena, Arkansas in 1936, and started playing harmonica at age 17, shortly after moving to Chicago. His harmonica first appeared on record in the 1950s gracing recordings by Arthur "Big Boy" Spires, and Bo Diddley (Willie played the harmonica on the Diddley classic "Diddy Wah Diddy"). At some point in the mid to late 1950s he started playing drums and in 1959 began his long association with Muddy Waters. Smith's drumming first appeared on record on Muddy Waters' 1960 album release of Sings Big Bill Broonzy. Smith had a real gift for drumming and his playing would help to define the later Muddy Waters Band sound. Many of us remember the classic Muddy Waters lineup of Muddy, Willie, Pinetop Perkins, Bob Margolin, Luther "Guitar Junior" Johnson, and Calvin "Fuzz" Jones. In June of 1980 members of Muddy's band struck out on there own, and formed the Legendary Blues Band which eventually found Willie as the lead vocalist, showcasing his stellar, down-home vocals. Willie released his first solo album, Bag Full of Blues in 1995, which firmly established him as an artist in his own right. Willie would revive his first instrument in later years, and in 1996 he would release Way Back, which debuted his new direction, and showed him to be a solid harmonicist. His final recording, Joined At The Hip was a collaboration with the now deceased Pinetop Perkins, and it it earned the two a Grammy in the Traditional Blues category. We have just touched upon a few of the many recordings of Willie "Big Eyes" Smith who's discography as both a frontman, and a sideman represents the highest of heights in the blues. Willie had a strong work ethic and was a consummate professional, and as a result he worked relentlessly. He won numerous BMAs (Blues Music Awards) as "Best Blues Drummer", and he always carried great bands with him. Of note is the wonderful management of Patricia Morgan, who helped guide the later part of Willie's amazing career, and the impressive booking of Blue Mountain Artists. Also thanks to Willie for bringing out the wonderful talent in his band with Jimmy Mayes, Bob Stroger, "Little" Frank Krakowski, and for his wonderful collaborations with other Muddy alums. Willie leaves his greatest legacy with his son Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith, who has become one of the world's greatest blues drummers and carries on his father's sound and tradition. Prayers for all of Willie's family, friends, fellow musicians, and fans as we say goodbye to one of the greatest blessings of the blues. We love you "Big Eyes". To visit Willie "Big Eyes" Smith's website click http://www.williebigeyessmith.com/. Funeral information to follow.

From Bob Kieser

Dear Blues Fans, 
 
We are sad to report the passing of a true Blues legend, 

Willie "Big Eyes" Smith this morning in Chicago. Blues Blast 

Magazine had the honor of recently interviewing Willie for one of 

our cover stories for the May 26th issue. That issues can be read at: 
http://thebluesblast.com/Archive/BluesBlasts/2011/BluesBlast5_26_11.htm
 

David Honeyboy Edwards RIP

The last of the great delta bluesmen has passed on.  David "Honeyboy" Edwards died today he was 96 years old.  You can read more about his amazing life from this article in the Chicago Tribune.  I will post more, and add updates as more information becomes available.

UPDATE
From Bob Kieser of Illinois Blues.

Dear Blues Fans,
 
It is with great sadness that I pass on the news that 

the great Bluesman Honey Boy Edwards has died. He was 

96 years old. He died of congestive heart failure 

early Monday morning in his South Shore Chiicago apartment. 
 
Honey Boy Edwards was the last of the original Delta Bluesmen. 

He was a contemporary of Robert Johnson and was even there with Robert Johnson 

the night Johnson died.
 
Here is a link to a story of his passing in the Chicago Sun Times:
 
http://www.suntimes.com/7352665-417/chicago-blues-great-honeyboy-edwards-dies-at-96.html 
 
Visitation will be from 2 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the 

McCullough Funeral Home, 851 E. 75th St. 

There will be an open mike between 7 and 9 p.m. for remembrances from friends 

and fans. A friends-and-fans gathering will begin at 8 p.m. at 

Lee’s Unleaded Blues, 7401 S. Chicago Ave. 
 
Services will be private on Friday. In lieu of flowers, 

it is requested that donations be made to the National Blues Museum.
 
Bob Kieser

UPDATE 

From Bob Corritore

August 29, 2011

• RIP Honeyboy Edwards - June 28, 1915 to August 29, 2011. The legendary Delta blues artist Honeyboy Edwards passed away peacefully at his Chicago home at 3am this morning. He was 96. Honeyboy had formally retired earlier this year, due to a weakened state of health that did not allow him to tour. He is well known as a pioneer of Delta Blues, who made pre-WWII recordings. Honeyboy was a close associate of Robert Johnson, and the man who traveled from the south to bring Little Walter to Chicago for the first time. Born in Shaw, Mississippi in 1915, Honeyboy left home at age 14 to travel and perform with Big Joe Williams, which became the early model of his life's activities. Honeyboy's wonderful recording career started in 1942 when famed folklorist Alan Lomax recorded him in Clarksdale Mississippi for the Library of Congress. His prolific recording career boasts of releases for many labels over many years; ARC, Sun Records, Chess, Folkways, Trix, Testament, Evidence, Roots, Blue Suit, Blue Horizon, Genes, Blue Shoe, APO, Wolf, and of course the Earwig Record Label. He has received 2 Grammy Awards, 2 BMAs (Blues Music Awards), has been inducted in the Blues Hall Of Fame, received a fellowship from The National Endowment for the Arts, and won a KBA (Keeping The Blues Alive Award) in the literature category for his brilliant biography The World Don't Owe Me Nothing. His performances and recollections have provided us a window into the past. One must mention Honeyboy's long association with Earwig Music label chief Michael Frank. The two met in 1972 and Michael would grow into the role of Honeyboy's manager, harmonica player, and traveling companion. Michael has done so much to guide Honeyboy's career, and we pray for his strength during this time of grieving. Visitation will be 2 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept 1, at the McCullough Funeral Home, 851 E. 75th Street, Chicago, IL 60619. There will be an open mike between 7 and 9pm for remembrances from friends and fans. A friends-and-fans gathering will begin at 8 p.m. at Lee’s Unleaded Blues, 7401 S. Chicago Ave. Services will be private on Friday. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made to the National Blues Museum. Honeyboy's charm, wit and musical brilliance will leave a gap in the blues, never to be filled. The deep blues emotion that poured out of Honeyboy Edwards in each performance has left a lasting impression on the blues world. Thank you Honeyboy for the blessing of knowing you.
  To hear Honeyboy Edwards 1942 Library of Congress recording of "Spread My Raincoat Down" click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fATSQa-0iII
  To hear Honeyboy's 1951 recording of "Who May Your Regular Be" click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDhHexniKWs&playnext=1&list=PLD9FD48CC027445C6
  To hear Honeyboy's 1951 recording of "Build A Cave click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVr_ZlqfQvo
  To see Honeyboy in the 2004 documentary film,Lightnin' In A Bottle, click here
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7UV0JKEfVQ
  To see a photo page that we put together to honor Honeyboy Edwards, click http://www.bobcorritore.com/photos101.html

Jerry Raganoy RIP

From Bob Corritore

RIP Jerry Ragavoy - September 4, 1930 to July 13, 2011. Jerry Ragavoy is best known for his great songwriting contributions in the field of soul music during the 1960s. Many of his hit-making compositions defined the careers of the artists who recorded them. Born in Philadelphia in 1930, Ragavoy first entered into the music industry in the early 1950s as a music buyer for an appliance store. He would next move into the role of a record producer where his flair for songwriting quickly was apparent. Some of his many hits include "Cry Baby" by Garnett Mimms, "Get It While You Can," recorded by Howard Tate and later covered by Janis Joplin, and "Time Is On My Side," originally recorded by Kai Winding, and later covered by Irma Thomas and then the Rolling Stones. His songs have been recorded by B.B. King, Aretha Franklin, Barry White, The Pointers Sisters, Dionne Warwick, Diana Ross and many others. Often times Ragavoy's songwriting credits bear his pseudonym of Norman Meade. Ragavoy died, following a stroke, on July 13, 2011 at age 80.  To see his Wikipedia bio click http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Ragovoy. To hear Garnett Mimms' sing the Ragavoy song "Cry Baby," click here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuS0IaodixU&feature=related. To hear Lil' Bob and the Lollipops version of Ravoy's song " Stop," click here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ak9Q7k6nkWk To hear Irma Thomas' classic version of "Time is On My Side" click here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFj0RfZb6iM. Thank you Jerry Ragavoy for your brilliant music that will be enjoyed and performed and for generations to come.

Jerry Leiber RIP

From Bob Corritore

• RIP Jerry Leiber - April 25, 1933 to August 22, 2011. Andy Greene of Rolling Stone Magazine is quoted: "Jerry Leiber, one of the most important songwriters in the history of rock & roll, whose 60-year partnership with Mike Stoller produced "Stand By Me," "Hound Dog," "Jailhouse Rock," "Young Blood," "On Broadway,"  "Yakety-Yak" and countless other classics, has died of cardiopulmonary failure. He was 78." It really is impossible to overstate Jerry Leiber's contributions specifically to blues, 1950's R&B, and early rock and roll. Here is a link to Leiber & Stoller's massive discography:http://www.leiberstoller.com/Discography.html.
  Jerry Leiber's songs are part of the essence of American Music. Here are a few links to hear a small sampling of his songwriting:
  The Robins, "Riot In Cell Block #9," click here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mP8tBT_Tf3I
  Big Joe Turner, "The Chicken And The Hawk," click here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCWqR9dmYwg
  Little Willie Littlefield, "K.C. Loving," click here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZvGfcaoksQ
  The Clovers, "Love Potion #9," click here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tA6wySeeb6I
  Ben E. King, "Stand By Me," click here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWBbEJXnOFk
  Big Mama Thornton, "Nightmare," click here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlvX8lY0LI4
  Big Mama Thornton, "Hound Dog," click here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoHDrzw-RPg 

---

Nick Ashford RIP

From Bob Corritore

• RIP Nick Ashford - May 4, 1941 to August 22, 2011. It seems to be a rough period for songwriters as we report the passing of Nick Ashford who, along with wife Valerie Simpson co-wrote many elegant pop-soul hits for Motown including "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "You're All I Need To Get By," and "Reach Out and Touch Somebody's Hand." He and his wife Valerie, billed as Ashford & Simpson, had success as artists in their own right as well as penning classics cut by Diana Ross, and Marvin Gaye. Nick Ashford died from throat cancer on Monday, August 22. To hear "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" click here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_pmKPWLBrE.

Amy Winehouse RIP

British soul singer Amy Winehouse died over the weekend.  She was found dead in her home. She was 27 years old, which of course set off all of the conspiracy theorists about pop artists who died at 27.   However, here at Blues Historian we think it is more important to remember the music so here are some videos to remember her by. 

Clarence Clemmons RIP

From the LA Times

Saxophonist Clarence Clemons, an indispensable part of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band both for his full-throttle tenor sax work and his larger-than-life onstage persona as "the Big Man," died Saturday.

I will update this as soon as more information becomes available.

Benny Spellman RIP

From United Sound of Soul website

From Bob Corritore

RIP Benny Spellman - December 11, 1931 to June 3, 2011. Benny Spellman was an amazing singer whose hits "Fortune Teller" and "Lipstick Traces" helped to define the sound of 1960s New Orleans R & B. He passed away in Florida on Friday, June 3 at age 79. Spellman was also a member of Huey "Piano" Smith & the Clowns, and was the low voice of Ernie K-Doe's smash hit "Mother In Law". In 2009, He was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. To read a complete bio on Benny Spellman, click here. To read the obit in Nola.Com, click here. To hear "Fortune Teller", click here. To hear "Lipstick Traces", click here.  To hear "Mother In Law" click here.

Cornell Dupree RIP

From Bob Corritore

RIP Cornell Dupree - December 19, 1942 to May 8, 2011. Legendary guitarist Cornell Dupree had an understated blues oriented style that made him a popular session player, especially prominent in the 1960s and 70s. His memorable guitar introduction on Aretha Franklin's "Respect", or the sweeping chords supporting King Curtis' "Soul Serenade" are examples of his craftsmanship. He died on May 8th at his home in Fort Worth, Texas at age 68. Though well known as an R&B player who worked with Aretha, King Curtis, Wilson Pickett, Champion Jack Dupree, Stuff, and B.B. King, Dupree also crossed over into other styles, making recordings with Miles Davis, Paul Simon, Joe Cocker, Barbra Streisand, Laura Nyro, Bonnie Raitt, Grover Washington, Jr., Lena Horne, and Mariah Carey. In addition to all his session work behind other artists he also had numerous albums as a leader and was considered to be one of the greatest guitar players of his time. We say goodbye to this legend who left his indelible mark on the music world.

LV Banks RIP

• 
   From Bob Corritore
  
  
  RIP L.V. Banks - October 28th, 1932 to May 2, 2011. Guitarist / vocalist L.V. Banks passed away of heart failure on the morning of May 2 at South Shore Hospital in Chicago. He was 79. L.V. was a wonderful musician and a popular club attraction on the South Side of Chicago. A solid guitarist and spectacular vocalist, his songs were firmly in the Chicago style and had a characteristic swagger about them. Born in Greenville, Mississippi in 1932, LV would move to St. Louis, enlist in the army, and by the early 1960s he landed in Chicago. Though very popular and respected around Chicago, he never made it to great stardom on a national level.  His fine music has been preserved by two wonderful CDs; Let Me Be Your Teddy Bear, and Ruby, both recorded in Chicago and released on the Wolf Record Label from Austria. His musical legacy is continued through the talents of his son Tre', who has emerged in recent years as a popular Chicago-based blues musician. To see a YouTube clip of LV Banks and Tre' performing a powerful version of "My Own Fault" click here.
  
  

Jack Myers RIP

From Bob Corritore

• RIP Jack Myers - Birthdate unknown to March 9, 2011. Charlie Musselwhite writes to inform us about the loss of his friend, the great blues bassist Jack Myers:"I thought you'd like to know that the great Chess bass player, Jack Myers died in Milwaukee March 9th. Jack was 74. He was a good friend. We recorded and toured together and he lived with me for a while. Seems like other than playing, we were laughing all day about one thing and another. He was a real good  guy. Him and (Fred) Below made a great team. Wearing their berets and shades. That was about as good as it gets." Very little biographical info can be found on Jack Myers, but during the 1960s, he was a key player in bringing the relatively new electric bass into the forefront of Chicago Blues. The style was changing, and gutarists like Buddy Guy, who Jack worked with most frequently, were more interested in playing a single string lead guitar sound then the more rhythm oriented guitar work popularized in the 1950s. This led to a sparce, open sound in which the bass was holding down a different role in connecting the music. Jack Myers would play a patterned bass line and then hit occational runs to fill in the gaps in a way not heard from bass before. Here is what Buddy Guy recalls in an interview with Guitar World “When the Fender bass first came along, I remember seeing this kid Jack Myers play it with Earl Hooker’s band. Hooker actually owned the bass, so the only time that boy could play, he had to work with Earl Hooker. But I found out that Willie Dixon had a Fender bass that he’d pawned at a place on 47th and State. So I told that boy, ‘If you wanna play with me, I’ll go get that Fender out of pawn from Dixon.’ And I gave it to Jack, ’cause he was a good little bass player.” Jack played bass on the majority of Buddy Guy records on Chess as well on Guy's classic record, A Man And The Blues on Vanguard. He also played bass on the Junior Wells historic album Hoodoo Man Blues on Delmark Records as well as Junior's selections on the Chicago, The Blues Today series on Vanguard. He played bass on Big Walter Horton / The Soul Of Blues Harmonica, Charlie Musselwhite / Tennessee Woman, and the Chicago Blues Stars album (with Louis Myers, Charlie Musselwhite, Freddie Roulette, Fred Below, and Skip Rose).. He also participated in the 1966 American Folk Blues Festival (a European tour and live album) with Otis Rush, Junior Wells, Fred Below, Roosevelt Sykes, Big Joe Turner, Sippie Wallace and others. At a point in the 1970s Jack seemed to drop out of sight, but his decade of session work on many highly influential blues recordings will cement him forever into blues history. To see various great clips of Jack in Europe in 1966 with Otis Rush, Junior Wells, and Big Joe Turner, click here, here, here, and here.

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Huey P Meaux

From Bob Corritore

• RIP Huey P. Meaux (AKA Crazy Cajun) - March 10, 1929 to April 23, 2011. Producer Huey P. Meaux is best known for producing the amazing hits "You'll Lose A Good Thing" by Barbara Lynn, "She's About A Mover" by the Sir Douglas Quintet, and "Wasted Days and Wasted Nights" by Freddy Fender. Of blues interest are sides he produced by Johnny Copeland, Big Walter Price, Rockin' Sidney (including the hit "Don't Mess With My Toot Toot") and many additional great sides by Barbara Lynn. Huey P. Meaux also had a tainted personal life and spent time incarcerated for sex crimes. He died on April 23 of multiple organ failure at age 82 at his home in Winnie, Texas. For an additional Huey P. Meaux obit, click here.