Podcast number 6th of the Iowa Blues Showcase

Here is the latest podcast of the Iowa Blues Showcase.  Our guests tonight are Steve George, Big Daddy Dennis Kain, and Jimmy Pryor.  originally recorded on January 11th 2003.  enjoy, like, rate, and share!!!!!!!      

Podcast number 3!!!!

Wow!!!  Thanks everyone who has been listening to the Iowa Blues Showcase.  We are currently in tenth on PodOmatic, which is our current host.  Not sure where we are on ITunes, but this is exciting!  Episode three features Jimmy Pryor, the Midnite cowboy!   Des Moines legendary performer who lived, dressed, and sang the blues!   This was a great show from August 1999 recorded on a 4 track Fostex.  It still sounds pretty good considering that it was from a 17 year old cassette tape!!   I did work on the EQ because the second set was way too loud.  Sounds great though!   BTW, it is available on ITunes podcasts for those of you who use Ipad, or Ipods.

Larrry Fountain RIP

Larry Fountain was not your typical bluesman. He didn't play an instrument, or sing, but he lived and loved the blues. To the rest of world that reads this blog, you won't find Larry's biography on the internet, and unfortunately I never posted about Larry on Blues Historian until today.

I first met Larry sometime in the mid to late 90s when Jimmy Pryor was jamming around the various blues dives in town. Larry was Jimmy's right hand man. After Jimmy's second wife died, Larry was the one that kept him going. Larry would drive him to gigs, and watch out for him. He was Jimmy's Bodyguard, and friend. They might start the night at the Cloud, and then end the night at an after hour joint. Once Jimmy starting playing for bands again, Larry was still there watching out for his old friend. Still making sure he was getting where he needed to be. Later when Jimmy got married again, Larry could be found volunteering his time for the Central Iowa Blues Society, or hanging out at Blues On Grand. Larry was an kind and caring soul, and truly lived the life of a bluesman.

I am sorry old friend, that I didn't make it down to Des Moines much to talk to you and hang out with you after I moved to Storm lake. I truly miss your gentle humor, and your love for your fellow bluesman. I know you are looking out for Jimmy once again up there in the big blues arena in the sky. God bless you Larry, and say hi to Jimmy for me.

Tom Gary
Blues Historian

For those readers in Des Moines that know Larry here is the memorial schedule.

Larry Fountain visitation will be Saturday, Oct 31 from 10-11 am with a funeral service following at 11 am at the East University Church of God Christ. It is at 1639 E University.

John Lee Hooker: One Burbon, One Scotch, One Beer

Cool video of John Lee Hooker. Its always an adventure for sidemen when they play with the old master. John Lee had a tendency, like most elder statesmens of the blues to play a song different each time. You have to be on your toes and listen good to play with the greats! although I must admit that when I played with Jimmy Pryor he always knew where the changes were. BTW, Jimmy knew John Lee Hooker from his Detroit days, and the two of them played together quite often.

Pee Wee Crayton: Red Rose Boogie

Here is a short clip of Pee Wee Crayton. Crayton was the house guitar player at the Bilikin in Des Moines until he moved to LA. According to Mel Harper who owned the club, he hired guys for a month, or more because he felt that having a house band, or player helped build an audience. Mel brought in big time artists to play at the Bilikin, and Crayton was no exception. Of course lucky for us Pee Wee moved on, because his replacement was none other than Jimmy "The Midnite Cowboy" Pryor. Jimmy came for two weeks and blessed us with 45 more years of great blues!

Photo Of The Week: Jimmy Pryor At The State Historical Building, Des Moines Iowa

A Nice photo Of Jimmy Pryor performing on his legendary Kazoo. This was from one of Jimmy's last public performances. He was backed up by the Blues Instigators of Iowa City. He was also honored by both the State Historical Society of Iowa, but also Jim O'Neil former publisher of Living Blues. It was a great day for Jimmy, the previous fall had also been given the Keys to the city of Des Moines.

Fats Domino: Blue Berry Hill

The great Fats Domino doing his big hit from the 50s! It also was one of Jimmy Pryor's favorite songs. This one's for you Jimmy.

Fats Domino - Blueberry Hill
Uploaded by LeBalayeur

Photo Of The Week: Jimmy With His Country Music Friends

Jimmy not only was a great bluesman, but he also played country music. Jimmy started playing country music in the mid 60s. He was influenced to play the blues from Ray Charles, who had recorded some country music during that time. Jimmy loved music so to him it gave him just another opportunity to play live music. He played mostly at the supper clubs located just outside Des Moines on the northside. The Pines was one of his favorite spots, and he recorded one of those shows, which he later released as a CD. He also got his nickname, The "Midnite Cowboy" from his country music fans in Des Moines. He was also inducted in the Iowa Cowboy Hall of Fame.

Photo Of The Week: Jimmy Pryor's Last Public Performance

The Photo Of The Week is one I took of Jimmy Pryor during his last public performance. Jimmy had been ill for quite some time, but he came out to perform one last time during a concert to celebrate Jimmy's life story that was published in Living Blues. I was suppose to write a biography about Jimmy, but I unfortunately failed to deliver. However, I did have enough material to write an article about my friend and bandmate. The band Blues Instigators played that day, and they graciously allowed Jimmy to perform with them. I tried to film a song but unfortunately the sound was so bad that I didn't save the clip. Yet, I did get some great pics of that day. I still miss Jimmy. He was a great person, and being around him always lifted my spirits. He was everyone's friend, and he was without a doubt the King of Des Moines Blues.

Photo Of The Week: Cheryl And Jimmy Pryor

A nice photo of Cheryl and Jimmy that I took at our last jam session at the Raccoon River Brewery Company. The Raccoon River was a great place to have a gig, especially the kind of music we were doing with Jimmy. The area we played at may have lacked a stage, but it was reminiscent of the old clubs in Des Moines that had food and dancing. Unfortunately the boss came to our show after New Years Eve, and since it was so close after the holiday we had no one there. He was drunk, and with very few people in the house, he made the short sighted decision to dump the blues. Furthermore, they have continued to keep out the blues with the exception of New Years, and the blues fests. They have no clue what they have down there. They could have a very high class music spot for Jazz, blues, and swing. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Photo Of The Week: Chicago Rick Lussie And Jimmy Pryor

This weeks photo is of two of my heroes Chicago Rick Lussie, and Jimmy The Midnite Cowboy Pryor. These two guys were the only ones playing real blues music in Des Moines in the 1970s. While other bands were playing soul, funk, and disco, Rick and Jimmy were still playing the blues. Granted they didn't play a whole lot since there weren't a lot of gigs, but they keep the blues alive. Both Rick and Jimmy used to tell me stories about playing Vickie's Poor House where the current Blues On Grand is located. Vickie was quite the charactor, and used to give free drinks to guys who had just got out of jail! Needless to say it was a wild place. This photo was taken many years later at the opening of The Grand. The Grand was the second attempt at a blues bar at that location. The First was The Grand Avenue Lounge.

Photo Of The Week: Jimmy Pryor and Steve George

I havent updated the photo for a few weeks so here is a photo from a few years back that I took during one of our New Years eve shows down at Raccoon River Brewery. Jimmy as always dressed up for the occasion.

Bringing Back The True Blue

Okay, after that last post I need to put something up that will make me feel better:-)



These guys were the true blues. These bluesmen played the blues not for the money, because lord knows there was no money to be made playing blues in Iowa, but they played it for the love the of music. Of all of them Perhaps Jimmy Pryor was the most remarkable. He started playing the blues in high school which would make him one of those artists who was both Pre-war and Post-war. From the 1930s until his death just a few years ago Jimmy Pryor played the blues as much, and as long as he could. He left Detroit Michigan, to move to Des Moines Iowa in 1960, because Des Moines in 1960 still had clubs open 24 hours. He played his heart out, and kept on playing until he died in 2006.


Louis McTizic was a wonderful man who despite daily dialysis that HE TOOK BY HIMSELF EVEN ON THE FREAKING ROAD, kept performing until he died. Louis was a kind man that took time to talk to his fans, and he held together one of those wonderful jam/blues bands that true blues lovers love to watch. Louis had some great side performers like Frenchy Campbell who could belt out Muddy like the old man himself, Sam Cochran an outstanding bass player, and Ethaline Wright who was a fine guitarist and singer herself.


Chicago Rick Lussie was a dear friend of mine that learned to play the blues on the Southside of Chicago. Much like Mike Bloomfield, and Paul Butterfield. Rick was one of those white kids who loved the blues and learned from the masters himself. Rick came to Iowa in 1960 to work as a teacher by day and musician at night. He stumbled upon Center Street in Des Moines, which was the black business district, and joined in with the rest of the blues players. He played the blues until he died much too young a few years ago.






John Woody Wood, a good friend (we shared a birthday) and always first call drummer. He lived life large, and was always pursuing a career in music. They Call Me Mr. Cleanhead was one of his favorite songs, and he performed it often. He was a brother to me, and almost every blues cat that played in Iowa. He left for California in 2002, and many of us took bets on when he would return, since he always returned home in a year or two. However, Woody never made it back. He suffered from Cancer and we lost one of our dearest friends in the blues.


Gary Smith died just a few months ago, and I am still saddened by his death. He had such a positive outlook on life, and considering his early life, or his childhood that was amazing. I think Gary was someone who certainly had a right to sing the blues because he lived them. However, no matter how bad things got with the death of his love Clover Buckingham, and his eventual loosing fight with Cancer he never seemed down. When I talked to him a few weeks before he died he told me he was going to get back to playing soon. I guess he didn't want me to worry about him, which was typical of Gary. He was such a kind person looking out for everyone else but himself. We truly need more Gary Smiths in the world.

I suppose that when I read something that riles me up, it is always important to think about what is right in the world, and about the people who have helped me be where I am. I suppose I get angry thinking of the hard work that my friends have made and never made a dime at it, versus bands that seem to fall into money and fame. However, I think that if I had the money and fame it would just bring more grief. It is nice to be semi anonymous and to be able to perform what I what and not want some corporate hack wants. Perhaps Capra was right. It is a wonderful life:-)

Blues Event At the State Historical Society Of Iowa

Mississippi Blues was shown by the State Historical Society of Iowa, at the
Historical Building in Des Moines. I actually was disappointed. It was a movie made in the late 70s, or early 80s, and was about a team of French documentary film makers and their adventures in Mississippi. It painted a pretty bleak painting of life in Mississippi, and the politics of the era, so in a way it was a dated movie, and yet it is an important film that it captured what life was life then. While there was blues music in the movie, for the most part I think the title really meant, hard luck in Mississippi. However, my part in the days adventure had nothing to do with the movie. I was there to help lead a discussion with Hobart DePatton about Center Street. Below is a picture of an exhibit on permanent display at the Historical Building. The majority of the exhibit was donated by Hobart DePatton, and belonged to his father who was the local printer on Center.



















I was suppose to lead discussion with Hobart about Center Street, but things got mixed up! That was alright, because when dealing with the blues you need to ad lib:-)Mr. DePatton ending up on stage with the people who were going to discuss the music of Center Street. In the picture below you have from left to right Hobart DePatton, Mel Harper(owner of two clubs located in the Bilikin Ballroom) George Davis,(Guitarist and Vocalist for the Soul Brothers, and currently Sumptin To Do) and Harlan Thomas (Keyboard Player, and Vocalists for the Soul Brothers, and currently Backstage Boogie Band)



















George Davis on Guitar




























Harlan Thomas On Keyboard













However, I did play a part in the festivities. I was asked to introduce Cheryl Pryor, and Jack Lufkin. I told a couple of stories about Jimmy Pryor, and then introduced his wife Cheryl, then Jack Lufkin one of the curators at SHSI came down and accepted from Cheryl Jimmy's legendary Kazoo. Hopefully, in a few weeks Cheryl will also donate one of Jimmy's cool suits so that they can have a display of Jimmy's memorabilia.


It was a nice afternoon of blues, and while the crowd was disappointedly small, those who were there had a great time. I will post the photos that I have on my myspace page. I will update this page, and put up a hotlink to the photos once I get it done.


UPDATE

Photos are up CLICK HERE

Louis Armstrong: The Saints

This classic song from New Orleans was one of Jimmy Pryor's favorite songs to sing. It was always fun to play this song with him, because he would always try to sneak it in on us. Of course Jimmy's version was more blues then the Great Satchmo, but hey, its a great song no matter how you play it:-)

Photo Of The Week: Jimmy The Midnite Cowboy Pryor

I have been so freaking melancholy this month. I think a lot of it has to do with the one year anniversary of the death of my mentor Jimmy Pryor, and the death of my good friend John Woody Wood. I suppose that I need to accept that this is part of life, and part of the blues. Especially the blues, since we more than any other art form celebrate our older performers. I think that is why I have always loved the blues. It fits into my love of history since we see our blues players as living history. So when they go, even when they have been with us for years, it still hurts. You think of Pop or Rock music, and a lot of them fade away and disappear only years later to end up as a blurb in a newspaper Obit. (Yes, I know the Stones are still going, but they are an exception)

Of course, it not true that all blues performers get that respect. Some have faded away into history, and that is sad. I really believe that if an old blues performer lives in your area and has the desire and need to play, then find them a gig. I think we did a great job in Des Moines searching out those players. Hopefully, other towns can follow our example. Get active and find those jewels of blues history, and give them another chance to shine!

Photo Of The Week: Jimmy "Midnite Cowboy" Pryor

Almost one year ago my hero Jimmy Pryor died. He was 90 years old, and lived a great life, but it still saddens me to have lost such a good friend. Jimmy was like a grandfather to me. He taught me about life, how to be a better person, and how to put on a show. Also, he led by example. He was good to his fans, and always had kind words for them. It also didn't matter if he didn't know them, he still treated them like his number one fan. The photo above was taken at what probably was his last live performance.










Jimmy was being honored for an article that I wrote about him in Living Blues. (To buy the magazine click HERE) The band performing that night was the Blues Instigators from Iowa City. They were very cool, and let Jimmy sing his famous Jimmy Shuffle. It was a good end to a great career. My only wish is that I had put a band together with Jimmy a few years earlier when I first met him, instead of six years later. However, from 1999-2006 we had a heck of a great time.

Photo Of The Week: Jimmy Pryor

This is a nice pic of Jimmy Pryor taken during one of the Central Iowa Blues Societies pub crawls. At the end of the night there is usually an after hour jam, and you would always find the Midnite Cowboy ready to go no matter what time it was. Jimmy was a night owl, and was used to playing the blues late at night. In fact, the reason he came to Des Moines in 1960, was because Iowa still had key clubs, and were open 24 hours. When the Key Clubs closed in the mid 60s and the state enforced a 2am closing time on clubs, Jimmy played at after hours joints. He was still playing them as late as the mid 90s. He asked me a couple of times to go play with him at an after hour joint, but for some reason I never was able to get free to do it.

Ray Charles: I Can't Stop Loving You

This is Ray doing country music! Ray could play and sing anything and it would sound great:-) Jimmy Pryor loved covering Ray's country tunes, and this was probably Jimmy's favorite Ray song. I only wish I could have played it better for the old man:-(

Photo Of The Week: Big Daddy, John East, and Jimmy Pyror

The photo of the week was taken at Razzmatazz just before we were kicked out of Urbandale Iowa for playing dance music! Pictured are Dennis "Big Daddy" Cain, John East, and Jimmy"Midnite Cowboy" Pryor. Dennis is the master of country blues, and plays many different styles of blues, while John East is a jump blues master on guitar. Of course, Jimmy was a great performer, with his own style. What was fun about Razzmatazz was that for the month we were there we quietly played blues, and had a small jam session. The owner loved us, and we had a small crowd of players who jammed with us. Unfortunately, a little known law in Urbandale banned dancing in most clubs. If it sounds like something out of footloose then you are not far off. The Urbandale city council didn't want live music and dancing since it might lead to heavy drinking and law breaking! EEEECCCCCCCCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!

In retrospect it is pretty funny. At the time I was very angry. However, we landed on our feet and moved the show to downtown Des Moines, where we lasted another couple months before we got fired by a drunken bar manager, but that's another story!