Hubert Sumlin dies at 80 years old
Six days ago a 80 year old
blues musician died, their wasn't the huge outcry of grief that other celebrities
have got but it hit me pretty hard. If you've ever listened to 'Killing Floor
Blues', 'Evil' or 'Smokestack lightning' you'll know the kind of talent Hubert
was.
But that's part of my
problem, I have only heard Hubert Sumlin play on records, I never got to see the man live
or had the chance to talk to him or find out what he's like. I do however
search Youtube to find any interviews or live performances of the man. I once
heard a story that he bought a brand new Gibson Les Paul Goldtop in 1955 and
six months later the finish had worn away to bare wood, he was a prolific
player with Howlin Wolf's band up until the big man's death in 1976.
But, rather than that be
the end of the story Hubert ended up putting out a whole host of solo albums,
up untill 2004, he carried on playing live and more importantly put out some
videos teaching us his tricks. He comes across relaxed and friendly in interviews;
he made the guitar scream with his unpredictable riffs.
In a real show of class
Mick Jagger and Keith Richard's have offered to pay for Sumlins funeral and
burial costs, If you want to fly over to pay your respect there is a viewing of
the body tomorrow and a service on Monday. You can get the details here
And if you are a guitarist why don't you watch this and learn how it's done.
Listen to GDTKC Podcast 1 - Death to the Strange
Listen to GDTKC Podcast 2 - Wilko Johnson Talks
Listen to GDTKC Podcast 5 - George Borowski
Listen to GDTKC Podcast 6 - Exile Parade
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