Chico Banks RIP

From Bob Corritore Blues News

• RIP Chico Banks: Word just came to us from Michael Freeman of Coachouse Industries that the young Chicago blues guitarist Vernon "Chico" Banks passed on December 2, 2008. He was 47. He was the son of legendary guitarist Jesse Banks (of The Mighty Clouds Of Joy), and he represented a younger generation in the Chicago Blues scene that mixed elements of rock and funk into the blues. He has performed and/or recorded with Willie Kent, James Cotton, Mavis and Pops Staples, Little Milton, Magic Slim, Big Time Sarah, Buddy Guy, Melvin Taylor, Freddie Roulette, Otis Clay, and others, as well as being a star in his own right. A popular hometown attraction with an international reputation, Chico will be greatly missed. There was no additional information available at the time of this writing.

UPDATE

from Bob Corritore comes an update. ChicoBanks died today. It is unfortunate in this day of the internet that sometimes news travels faster than reality. I am sorry that I jumped the gun on this. Here is what Bob wrote today:

• More Info on Chico Banks: News has come in Chico Banks apparently died just today Word from Katherine Davis via Chris James is that Chico was pronounced brain dead yesterday and died this afternoon. Apparently yesterday's word around Chicago of Chico's passing was premature, but was nonetheless circulating throughout the city. After receiving Michael Freeman's notification, we did a web search and found other listings of Chico's passing before we published our newsletter notification. We apologize for our part in spreading inaccurate news on such a hurtful subject. We just pass on what information comes to us and we always list our sources. Let's hope that Chico is at peace now, and that those of us who cared about him can heal and focus on celebrating his life's contributions. Rest in peace, Chico Banks.

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