A terrible loss. I will always feel fortunate that I got to take classes with him at Augusta Blues Week last summer. For those pickers who never got a chance to see him live, the most remarkable thing about him was his great paddle of a thumb on his right hand, which he used as a flat pick.

Not unusual, you say? Most who fingerpick use the thumb of bass rhythms, almost always with a down stroke. John picked down and up with his thumb, giving him a sound that is VERY difficult to duplicate.

Fine performer, fine gentleman. His thousands of fans will miss him greatly.

david