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September 03, 2005
Death Bell Blues
As I have discovered the blues later in my life, one of the regrets I've had is that so many of the artists I now appreciate died before I really got into them. Stevie Ray Vaughan, Albert Collins, Son House, John Lee Hooker, Albert King... all of 'em gone before I figured out that I should be listening to them more often. One bluesman I had discovered -- though I hadn't had a chance to see him play live anywhere -- was R.L. Burnside. A highly entertaining and talented practitioner of the Delta Blues, Burnside died Thursday in Memphis. He was 78.
Burnside wasn't really "discovered" until late in life, even though he'd been playing since he was young. Thankfully, I was paying attention before he was gone. If you're a fan of Delta Blues, do yourself a favor and pick up some R.L. Burnside (my favorites include "Boogie Chillen," "Death Bell Blues," and "Mellow Peaches," if you're looking for recommendations).
Farewell, R.L.. See you on the other side.
