In Remembrance 2010

In Remembrance 2010

A small farewell to our blues friends who left us during the 2010 blues year.  As always not everyone listed is a blues player, but were important people to the blues. 

Tina Marie
James Peterson
Robin Rogers
Abe Little Smokey Smothers
Stanly Sarge Davis
Reggie Boyd
Dennis Taylor
Albertina Walker
Solomon Burke
Foster Wiley
Calvin Fuzz Jones
Steve Arredondo
Phillip Walker
Randy Joe Fullerton
James Slim Sroggins
Calvin Leavy
Esther Mabry
Rene Solis
Larry Dale
Willie Pooch
Lena Horne
Roy Carrier
Walter Horn Mississippi Slim
Ray Hoff
Herb Ellis
Barbara Brown
Rod Beechhead Jeffery
Marva Wright
Rockie Charles
Clayton Love
Pattie Williams
Brian BB Bruce
Jeff Ward
Wilroy Sanders
Lil Dave Thompson
Dale Hawkins
Bobby Charles
Arnie Caplin
Teddy Pendergrass
Willie Mitchell

For more information about each blues person please follow this link
http://bluesman2001.blogspot.com/search/label/obit%202010
Or click the Obit 2010 tag below.

Tina Marie RIP

The LA Times Reports that Tina Marie has died. to go directly to the LA Times go here:


http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/afterword/2010/12/singer-teena-marie-dies-at-54.html

From the Times

Teena Marie, the singer-songwriter born in Santa Monica who was best known for such R&B hits as "Lovergirl," "Square Biz," and "Fire and Desire" with mentor Rick James, has died. She was 54.

More info as it becomes available.  

James Peterson RIP

From Bob Corritore

• RIP James Peterson, November 4, 1937 - December 11, 2010 This sad news just in from Selby Minner. Tampa based, Alabama born singer/guitarist James Peterson died Saturday of a heart attack. He was 73. James was a stirring performer with an amazing voice, a powerful guitar style, as well as being a clever songwriter. James has numerous CDs to his credit, on labels such as Waldoxy/Malaco, Ichiban, Perception, and Hown Dog. James is also the father of the gifted Lucky Peterson. For an article on James' passing, click here. For a nice bio of James Peterson, click here. Another great one from the older generation of bluesmen is gone. Prayers to Lucky and to the Tampa blues community as well as all of James Peterson's many fans.

Robin Rogers RIP

From Bob Corritore

• RIP Robin Rogers 1957 to 12/17/10. Singer / harmonica player Robin Rogers has died today in her hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina. She had been struggling with terminal liver cancer for a month now. Robin was well loved within the blues community and had some highly successful CDs which frequently ended up with nominations, and she was honored with a Blues Blast Music Award in 2009, for "Best Female". Her humble and sincere personality, coupled with her unmistakable talent, made us all take her in as an adopted little sister. She had lead a very hard life, complete with homelessness, and drug and alcohol abuse, but she had turned her life around, and found a positive outlet in blues music. She had been sober for 21 years and happily wed to her husband, and musical partner Tony Rogers who was by her side until the end. Many benefits sprouted around the country and her latest record Back In The Fire, on the Blind Pig label, was met with great success, and has recently been nominated for a Blues Music Award. Please spend a few minutes to hear the NPR interview with Robin, from a few weeks ago. . Thank you Robin, for your great music, and your strong heart. To read more about Robin Rogers, please visit www.robinrogers.com

Ron Santo RIP

It was bad enough yesterday that Dr. Dean Edell retired from his radio show, one of the last voices of reason on the Am dial, but then my all time favorite baseball player Ron Santo died yesterday.  Santo is not a bluesman, but if anyone ever lived the life of the blues and could relate to the music it was Ron Santo.  A young man blessed with athletic ability cursed with Diabetes after he was drafted to play for the Chicago Cubs.  He secretly played with the chronic illness for several years, until the early 70s when he told the world.  This guy was one of the greatest 3rd basemen of his era. A multiple gold glove winner, perennial all star, captain of a team that featured future hall of famers, Billy Williams, Ernie Banks, and Ferguson Jenkins.  He did all of that and had Type One Diabetes.  However, that is not the end of the story.  Years later he was considered a shoo in for the Hall of fame, and yet every year he was left out.  It was agonizing waiting each year for the baseball hall of fame to do the right thing, and year after year it was disappointment after disappointment. then to make matters even worse his diabetes took away both his legs.  He suffered from heart problems, and then bladder cancer, which I thought he had beaten a few years ago, but unfortunately is what finally claimed his life. Ron Santo was the eternal optimist, and to be a true Cubs fan you have to be.  For me the Cubs were the team we watched down on Grampa's farm on his old b&w TV.  Me, dad, uncle Melvin and Grampa would watch the Cubs who played great in the spring, and fall apart in the dog days of summer. Santo, Kessinger, Beckert, Banks, and Williams were my boyhood heroes.  Years later Santo became my favorite because I loved to listen to him doing play by play on the radio.  However, it was in 1999 when I became a Diabetic that Santo became not only a hero, but some one to look up too, and realize that Diabetes is not the end of life, but a new beginning.  In many ways it made me a better person by loosing weight, watching what I eat, and trying not to be a coach potato.  I am going to miss Ron especially this spring when the Cubs return, because unfortunately Ronnie won't be there in the booth to cheer them on, and it won't be the same without him.  God bless you Ron.


Here is some blues from the late great Steve Goodman:  A Dying Cubs Fans Last Request


Here is Steve Goodman's Go Cubs Go with Ronnie making an appearance at the 1:10 mark


Finally a nice video that sums up Ron's life and why he is my hero.

Abe "Little Smokey" Smothers RIP

From Bob Corritore

November 23, 2010

• RIP Little Smokey Smothers - Jan 2, 1938 to Nov. 20, 2010. Chicago blues guitarist / vocalist Abe "Little Smokey" Smothers passed away on November, 20th after a long bout of bad health, due to complications with diabetes. He was 71 years old. Little Smokey was the younger brother of Otis "Big Smokey" Smothers, with whom he is sometimes confused. A spectacular guitarist and vocalist, Little Smokey played in a more modern blues style than his older brother, who was pure downhome blues. The following bio is quoted verbatim from Wikipedia.

"Little Smokey Smothers (born Albert Smothers, January 2, 1939, Tchula, Mississippi) is an African American, Chicago blues guitarist and singer. Albert "Abe" Smothers learned guitar at the age of 15, and relocated to Chicago two years later. He soon appeared on stage playing alongside Arthur “Big Boy” Spires, Magic Sam, Otis Rush and Lazy Bill Lucas. In 1958 he joined up with Howlin' Wolf, and played on Wolf's recording session for Chess Records the following year. Tracks Smothers contributed to included "I've Been Abused," "Howlin' for My Darling," and "Mr. Airplane Man."

In 1961 he founded Little Smokey Smothers and the Pipeplayers. He later met Paul Butterfield and became a founding member of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. He was replaced in the band by Elvin Bishop, but developed a friendship that lasted a lifetime. Throughout the 1960s Smothers appeared withBuddy Guy, James Cotton, Earl Hooker, and Junior Wells. Musical opportunities dried up in the 1970s, and Smothers worked in construction. He re-appeared in the 1980s with The Legendary Blues Band. Their 1989 recording, Woke up with the Blues, included contributions from Smothers.

In 1993, Bishop made a guest appearance on Smothers first solo album with the Dutch Black Magiclabel, Bossman! The Chicago Blues of Little Smokey Smothers. The recording also included work from Smothers' cousin, Lee "Shot" Williams. Bishop and Smothers played at the 1993 Chicago Blues Festival. Smothers had open heart surgery in 1995, but the following year issued Second Time Around. Smothers performed at the 1999 San Diego Blues Festival, and at a party for Mick Jagger's 55th birthday.Alligator Records then issued That's My Partner (2000), a live album recorded in San Francisco, which saw Smothers reunited with Bishop. Smothers also appeared at the 2000 Chicago Blues Festival. In 2006 Smothers and Bishop played live at the Ground Zero club in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Latterly Smothers experienced health problems, and had both legs amputated due to diabetes.In 2009, Bishop compiled the benefit album, Chicago Blues Buddies, incorporating recordings made by Smothers and Bishop dating back to 1992. Proceeds from the album helped to pay for Smothers' medical costs. On Saturday, November 20, 2010, after a 3 1/2 week long stay in a Chicago hospital, Albert "Little Smokey" Smothers passed away due to complications of long-term illnesses."

A few items not mentioned in the Wikipedia bio were Little Smokey's´ participation in the albums Mojo Buford´s Chicago Blues Summit (produced by Steve Wisner for Mr. Blues Records), and American Blues Legends 1979 (on Big Bear Records). Also he and his brother were the cover story for an issue ofLiving Blues magazine during the 1970s titled "The Smothers Brothers Of The Blues". Smokey was a true champion and he will be greatly missed in the Chicago blues scene. God bless you Smokey.

Stanley Sarge Davis RIP

From Bob Corritore

RIP Stanley "Sarge" Davis, birthday unknown to 11/12/10. Stanley "Sarge" Davis is best known as the proprietor of Lee's Unleaded Blues, a blues club located in the South Side of Chicago, that was the former location of Queen Bee's Blues Lounge. Stanley fell to cardiac arrest Friday, November 12.  We send our condolences to his family and many friends. He will remembered him fondly for his kind, gregarious personality and for his great service to the blues. For information on Stanley, his life, his club, and funeral services, click here

Reggie Boyd RIP

From Bob Corritore




RIP Reggie Boyd - Birthdate information unavailable - October 17th, 2010. Sad news via Dave Specter and Dick Shurman from David Bloom of the Bloom School of Jazz and a former student of the man. Bloom writes:
"Reggie Boyd Sr., an icon Chicago Jazz guitarist-teacher died Sunday October 17. He taught three generations of great jazz musicians on all instruments. Reggie did some recording on his own, including his Age 45 "Nothing But Good"/"Nothing But Poison" which also featured Earl Hooker, bass on the Vibrations' hit "Watusi" and guitar on Fenton Robinson (I Hear Some Blues Downstairs) and Milt BucknerLPs, plus other sessions with Syl Johnson, Jimmy Rogers, Etta James, etc. He did the horn charts on Fenton's Blues In Progress/Nightflight LP which I co-produced in '84; seeing those two old friends work together was quite a treat. But he may have been best known for being THE teacher other Chicago guitarists turned to, including many blues legends. Otis Rush, Howlin' Wolf, James Wheeler, Louis Myers,Willie Johnson, Jimmy Johnson, Dave Specter, Syl and Fenton were just a few who took lessons from Reggie. Not long before he died, Robert Jr. Lockwood wanted to record Reggie and tried to discuss it with him, but it was too late for various reasons. Some purists criticized Reggie for "ruining" Chicago blues guitarists by teaching them too much sophistication; there's a well known story of Wolf waving a $1,000 bill at Reggie while telling him that he (Wolf) couldn't make that kind of money playing the "progressive sh*t" Reggie was trying to teach him. But he obviously had something a lot of his peers wanted, and his knowledge of theory and technique were truly formidable. Hopefully he's in a better place today, surrounded by his former students." Dick Shurman adds "Reggie was from Jackson, Tennessee, and Billy Boy Arnold also took lessons from him." Reggie's blues guitar work is most prominently exemplified with his fleet fretwork on Jimmy Rogers' "Rock This House" and "My Last Meal" cut in 1959 for Chess Records. Unfortunately, Reggie Boyd was a "behind the scenes" giant of a musician, so not much information is available. His work will live on through the recordings he made and by the many musicians that he influenced.

Dennis Taylor RIP

From Bob Corritore

RIP Dennis Taylor, 1954 - October 17, 2010. Saxophonist Dennis Taylor is best known in blues circles for his work on the road and in the recording studio with Delbert McClinton, Buckwheat Zydeco, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, Earl Gaines, Duke Robillard, and others. Dennis also worked with Michelle Shockedand Todd Snider. He passed away at age 56 of a heart attack while on tour with Delbert McClinton. In addition to his live performances, Dennis also authored the aclaimed instructional books Blues Saxophone: An In-Depth Look At The Styles Of The Masters, Jazz Saxophone, and Amazing Phrasing. A tasteful, soulful player with a great sense of tradition, Dennis went above and beyond the call of duty by providng a heartfelt and informed sound each time he picked up his sax. To read the article about Dennis Taylor in the Tennessean, click here.

Albertina Walker RIP

From Bob Corritore

RIP Albertina Walker - August 29, 1929 to October 8, 2010. Gospel legend Albertina Walker has passed away. Per the Chicago Tribune "Albertina Walker, the Grammy-winning vocalist known around the world as the "Queen of Gospel" who helped launch some of the biggest names in traditional gospel through her vocal ensemble, the Caravans, has died. She was 81. Walker died of respiratory complications Friday morning at RML Specialty Hospital in Chicago." Simply an amazing and charismatic vocalist Albertina, will forever leave her definitive mark on gospel music. To hear an example of her fine singing with the Caravans, click here. For the Wikipedia biography of Albertina Walker, click here .  

Solomon Burke RIP

The king of soul Solomon Burke has died while on flight to Amsterdam to play a gig.  Burke was an amazing singer who never really got his due, but people who are into the blues and soul certainly knew about his greatness.  No doubt, I will update this post as more news come in.  Here is an obit from the Huffington Post.

UPDATE

From Bob Corritore

October 10, 2010

• RIP Solomon Burke - March 21, 1940 - October 10, 2010.

This sad news comes to us from Ben The Harpman from his excellent Juke Joint Soul newsletter. We quote Ben's obit:

Solomon Burke, the legendary 60s R&B/Soul singer and hitmaker has died at the age of 70 in the Netherlands. He was 70.

Burke was found dead on a plane en route from his home in Los Angeles to the Netherlands where he was scheduled to perform on Tuesday. No cause of death has been determined as an autopsy is set to be performed. Funeral arrangements are pending.

Burke was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and began his life in the pulpit. He hosted a gospel radio show on-air in the City of Brotherly Love and met fellow Baptist minister Martin Luther King, Jr. several times. After having a minor gospel hit on the Apollo label, Burke was snatched up by Atlantic Records in 1960 and by 1961 had his first R&B Chart success with the country standard "Just Out of Reach (Of My Two Empty Arms)." Burke, who had grown up listening to the Grand Ole Opry, became known for blending his R&B and Soul tinges with country & western, which many say opened the door for Ray Charles' later success in the same vein. Between 1961-1964, Burke was one of the driving forces at Atlantic with six Top 10 R&B hits, with four crossing over into Top 40 Pop - “Just Out Of Reach (Of My Two Empty Arms),” “Cry To Me,” “Got To Get You Off Of My Mind,” “You’re Good For Me,” (penned by Don Covay), “Tonight’s The Night” and “If You Need Me” (written by Wilson Pickett). After the mid-60s, Burke's hit making waned but he continued to record vigorously.

Burke worked in obscurity throughout much of the 70s through the 90s. However, he saw an interest return in his career in the 80s when the soul comedy act The Blues Brothers covered his soul standard "Everybody Needs Somebody To Love" for their hit movie. Later on in the 80s, the late Patrick Swayze would seduce the character Baby (played by Jennifer Grey) to Burke's "Cry To Me" in the blockbuster romance Dirty Dancing. Again, Burke's success would be short-lived and he would return to both touring, recording, and even running a mortuary in his new home of Los Angeles. In 2001, Burke would be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and in 2002 win his first Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Recording Don't Give Up On Me on Fat Possum Records. This revival would once again see Burke headlining shows across the country in mostly blues arenas. Burke enjoyed a special relationship with the Catholic Church throughout his life and in 2000, he and his family were invited to perform at the Jubilee of the Family at the Vatican. Since then, he has been invited back to the Vatican for it's Christmas celebration.

The last few years saw Burke checkered across the world on star-studded lists performing on national late-night talks shows to appearing at Jerry Lee Lewis' "Last Man Standing" Concert in 2006. Burke also graced #55 on the Country Charts in September 2006 for his recording Nashville, which returned him to his country roots. He also honored Ahmet Ertegun by co-hosting the March 2007 celebration of the Atlantic founder’s life at Lincoln Center, participating in the American Master’s documentary “Atlantic Records: The House That Ahmet Built” and in December of that year, performing at the private after-party of the Led Zeppelin reunion concert along with Ben E. King, Percy Sledge and Sam Moore. Earlier in 2009, Burke joined famed R&B producer Willie Mitchell at Mitchell’s Royal Studio in Memphis to work together on a new recording, marking the first time the two ever worked together. Mitchell would pass only a short time later. In May of this year, Burke toured Japan for the first time.

Though these are only a small list of his many musical achievements, Burke always was quoted as saying his greatest achievement was his large family of 21 children, 90 grandchildren, and 19 great grandchildren. They all survive. Burke had one more musical achievement to go, which now will be released posthumously. Set to be released later this month, Burke went in the studio with Dutch rockband De Dijk and performed their songs in English with them. It would have been his second album to come out this year.

If you would like more information on Burke, his music, and his career; click here.

Juke Joint Soul will have more information on arrangements, etc. as they become available.

- Posted By Ben the Harpman to Juke Joint Soul at 10/10/2010 04:43:00 AM

Foster Wiley RIP

From Bob Corritore

• 
  
  RIP Foster "Mr Tater, The Music Maker" Wiley - Unknown birthday to September 10, 2010. Foster "Mr.Tater, The Music Maker" Wiley  was a popular street singer who resided and performed in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Mr.Tater passed away on Friday, September 10th, of kidney failure. He was best known for his daily appearances just outside the storefront of Cat Head Delta Blues and Folk Art, where owner Roger Stolle always made him feel welcome. Mr. Tater's rough and tumble blues style, and warm, toothy smile became emblematic of his home town. He recorded a few locally distributed albums and appeared on a number of anthologies and documentaries. Mr. Tater will be missed by all. To read the article on his life in About.com, click here. To see him on YouTube in an interview and performance click here, and here. To see Mr. Tater in a group shot on the cover of Big City Blues click here, and to see his MySpace site click here.

Calvin "Fuzz" Jones RIP

From Bob Corritore

August 10, 2010

• RIP Calvin "Fuzz" Jones, June 9th,1926 - August 9th, 2010. Best known as the longtime bass player of the Muddy Waters Blues Band, Calvin "Fuzz" Jones, a Greenwood, Mississippi native, passed away last night of complications from lung cancer. He was 84. "Fuzz" was the definitive blues bass player, a stirring vocalist, and a wonderful human being. Here is the email that Bob Margolin, his longtime friend, and fellow Muddy alum, wrote this morning:

Calvin “Fuzz” Jones passed away early this morning at Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto in Southaven, Mississippi. His family is making funeral arrangements for Saturday in Mississippi. No more information on that yet, update soon.

Calvin “Fuzz” Jones is best known for the 10 years he played bass in Muddy Waters’ band, about 1970-’80. Previously, he had worked with Howlin’ Wolf, Little Walter, and Elmore James. He was appreciated for his strong electric bass playing, rocking stage presence, deep Blues singing, and the friendly laugh and smile he had for all.

Calvin had been living in Senatobia, MS for the last few years after decades in the Chicago area. Some of you receiving this e-mail were very kind to help him financially to stay in his apartment when he faced eviction in January. He appreciated that so deeply, understanding fully that the Blues music we all love had brought him your timely help. He had beat lung cancer, and in the late 1990’s he had a large tumor successfully removed from the back of his neck. Apparently the cancer came back in one lung and he developed pneumonia in the other and couldn’t breathe and was rushed to the hospital. He suffered a heart attack there, and though he was stabilized, his heart was weakened and gave out on him for the last time this morning. 

I visited him last Friday afternoon, and he was deeply sedated. I’m glad to have seen him one more time, but he didn’t know I was there. I think he was beyond medical recovery, and that his illness overtook his strength. He was 84 years old, and was enjoying his life as much as possible until very recently. He had a sincere good word for everyone, and his reaction to any kind of health, musical, or financial challenge was his hearty trademark laugh. I asked him how he could laugh so easily when life hurt him, and he said “When you laugh the world laughs with you, when you cry, you cry alone.” He brought us deep Chicago and Mississippi Blues on the bandstand and on recordings, and his Blues and love for his friends, family, and all of us are his legacy.

Sadly, Bob Margolin

Steve Arredondo RIP

From Bob Corritore

• RIP Steve Arredondo, July 12, 1952 - July 30, 2010. Steve Arrendondo was a San Diego based blues harmonica player who was active with both BLUSD (Blues Lovers United of San Diego), and the Paul Butterfield Fund and Society. He passed away from complication of cancer on July 30th at age 57. Though not well known outside of his region, he was a positive and supportive force for the blues in all of his dealings. To read a loving obituary posted by his children, click here. We are not aware of any recordings by Steve, but any harmonica player who has appeared in San Diego, would have likely met Steve, who would would frequent such occasions with sincere interest and an outreached hand. Chet Cannon has helped to organize a San Diego memorial show for Steve that happens this Sunday, August 15th, at Tango Del Rey. For more information on this event click here.

Phillip Walker Memorial Update

From Bob Corritore

• Phillip Walker Funeral Information. Phillip Walker's funeral will be this coming Monday at noon at Simpson Family Mortuary, 3443 W. Manchester Blvd. in Inglewood, CA. Internment immediately thereafter at Evergreen Cemetery in L.A. as we reflect on the life of this great blues artist, we share a few clips of his performances:

Advertisement of Phillip Walker at Teatro Olimpia Oliva, click here.

Phillip Walker at 1992 soundcheck Wendell Town Hall , click here.

Phillip Walker performing the Ray Charles classic "Busted", click here.

Phillip Walker and Chillean harmonica player Gonzalo Arayo, performing "Hello" Cenrtral, click here.

Phillip Walker playing guitar with his teeth, click here.

Phillip Walker RIP

From Bob Corritore

July 22, 2010

RIP Phillip Walker, February 11th, 1937 - July 22, 2010. It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Phillip Walker this morning at 4:30 AM of heart failure. He was 73. Phillip was a great singer and guitarist who was considered legendary, though he never broke through to the success that his talent merited. He played guitar on the Specialty and Chess recordings of Clifton Chenier (Phillip once said that it was him and Etta James singing the backup on Clifton's song "My Soul"). He moved from Louisiana to California in 1959, and released his first record "Hello My Darlin", produced by J.R. Fulbright. Phillip's first full album, produced by Bruce Bromberg and called Bottom Of The Top was released in 1973 on the Playboy Record Label (actually a business division of the magazine). He also made great recordings on Galaxy, Vault, Joliet, HighTone, JSP, Black Top, Rounder, Alligator, P-Vine, MC, and most recently on Delta Groove. Additionally, Phillip was a noted sideman who contributed to albums by  Lonesome Sundown, Eddie Taylor, Percy Mayfield, and Johnny Shines. Phillip toured frequently with a great band that included his longtime partner, James "Broadway" Thomas, on bass. He was lovingly booked by Tom Radai of Blues Management Group. His passing highlights the loss of the few remaining blues artists of his generation. We salute Phillip for always delivering the true blues, for his kind and giving personality, and for his unique and awe inspiring blues style. To see Phillip Walker's website click here , for an extensive bio click here. So long Phillip, we will miss you.

Video of Phillip Walker

Randy Joe Fullerton RIP

From Bob Corritore

RIP Randy Joe Fullerton, Sept 18, 1949 - June 27, 2010. This news comes in from Will "Smokey" Logg. Bassist Randy Joe Fullerton passed away on June 27 in Dallas, Texas. He was 60. Fullerton was a popular blues bass player in the late 60s and 70s who worked with Luther Allison, Rod Piazza, Paul Filipowicz, Jim Liban, Billy Flynn, Madison Slim and many others. He is probably best known as the young, long haired bass player in the 1970 video of Howlin' Wolf performing Highway 49 at a blues festival in Washington D.C. where he was a capable fill in for Wolf's curtailed bass player. To see this unbelievable video, click here. To see Randy Joe Fullerton's myspace, click here. Randy remained an active performer his whole life and is considered a top shelf bassist by all that knew him. He will be greatly missed.


Here is a video of Howling Wolf singing with Randy Joe Fullerton playing bass

James "Slim" Sroggins RIP

From Bob Corritore

• 
  RIP James "Slim" Sroggins, April 28, 1953 - July 9, 2010. Phoenix based blues and soul drummer James "Slim" Scroggins was a talented and popular performer in his home town. He died on July 9th at age 57 from complications of blood clots. Over the last 30 years Slim worked with some of the quintessential Phoenix artists and bands including George Bowman, Big Pete Pearson, Fire In The Sky, The Whitehead Brothers, and his own James Matthews Band. He most recently was the powerhouse drummer with Cold Shott & The Hurricane Horns.  Slim stood 6' 8" tall and had a professional and charismatic personality. For more information about James "Slim" Scroggins from the Cold Shott website click here. There will be a marathon memorial concert for Slim on Friday August 6, at the Rhythm Room, hosted by Cold Shott & The Hurricane Horns with many special guests.

Calvin Leavy

From Bob Corritore

• 
  RIP Calvin Leavey 1940 - June 6, 2010. Arkansas blues singer/guitarist Calvin Leavey was best known for his often covered hit "Cummins Prison Farm". He died Sunday, June 6th of complications from Diabetes. He was 70. Aside from "Cummins Prison Farm", Calvin also had regional hits with "Going Back To The Dogs", and "If Life Lasts, Luck Is Bound To Change". Sadly his songs were prophetic as Calvin would be sent to Cummins for a drug related charge. He passed away with just one more year of time to serve. His rich, warm voice, great guitar work, and perfect blues songwriting will assure him his eternal place in blues history. To read more about Calvin Leavey, click here,  and to hear "Cummins Prison Farm" click here.

Esther Mabry RIP

From Bob Corritore

• RIP Esther Mabry (aka Mama Nip) - May 25, 1920 to May 31, 2010 - She was 90 years old. Esther Mabry is best known in the Oakland, California area for owning and operating a legendary blues club called Esther's Orbit Room. After moving from Texas to Oakland in her early 20s, she opened Esther's Breakfast Room in 1950. Nine years later, she and her husband William bought the building and expanded it to offer live music and cocktails. So began Esther's Orbit Room, a club that would be known in the Bay Area for appearances by B.B. King, Charles Brown, Lou Rawls, T-Bone Walker, Big Joe Turner, Bobby "Blue" Bland, Ike & Tina Turner, Jimmy McCracklin, Big Mama Thornton, Lowell Fulson, Al Green, Etta James, and others. The club ran until just last year, when Esther's health problems dictated that she close the business after its glorious 59 year run. Esther was a behind the scenes hero of the blues who was not well known outside of her community, but people like Esther are the backbone and the spirit of this industry. and the provider of a place for blues musicians to play. God bless you Esther for all you did. To see her 2008 induction in the West Coast Hall Of Fame click here. To read more about Esther Mabry click here, and here.