Info on Snooks Eaglin

Subject: RE: Info on Snooks Eaglin
From: Mark Clark
Date: 14 Jan 04 - 04:20 PM

I'm pretty sure Snooks didn't claim authorship. It's been a long time since I've seen the liner notes but I seem to recall the writer saying that Eaglin learned mostly from recordings of other people. I assumed there was an older recording of the tune by someone but have never seen any reference to it.

      - Mark

Subject: RE: Info on Snooks Eaglin
From: PoppaGator
Date: 13 Jan 04 - 01:06 PM

Mark,

The song (or at least that first verse) might indeed date back to WWI. If Snooks actually wrote it (as opposed to recycling it via the folk process), he's not *quite* old enough for his contemporaries to have been drafted for WWII, but he may have been talking about being drafted for the Korean Conflict or (more likely, like Elvis) for the "peacetime"/Cold War occupation of Germany, which evolved into the US presence at NATO bases that continues today.

Of course, as a blind man, Snooks himself wouldn't have been drafted (although I assume he was required to register, like all other male citizens 18 or over.)

I wasn't aware of Snooks' appearances on BET -- I'll keep an eye out for rebroadcasts. Of course, living in New Orleans, I *do* have the opportunity to see him in person periodically, but I'm always glad to see our local heroes presented to the world at large (and to see *how* they're presented as well).

Subject: Lyr Add: I Got My Questionaire
From: Mark Clark
Date: 13 Jan 04 - 12:17 PM

I'm highly envious, Mary Katherine. I've never seen Eaglin in person although they sometimes broadcast a performance over the BET-Jazz cable channel.

I had early (for me) exposure to Eaglin's recordings around 1961 or 62. One of the blues I learned from him was called I Got My Questionaire (pronounced question-airy). A sort of anti-war blues that doesn't seem consistant with WWII. I seem to remember someone saying it may refer to WWI, a war that was very unpopular in the US. Of course it may also just be conveying an African American viewpoint towards millitary duty based on Jim Crow.

Does anyone have background information on this tune? It shares a line or two with the Draftee Blues but I don't think it's a variant.

Thanks,

      - Mark




I GOT MY QUESTIONAIRE
(Snooks Eaglin)

A                           D7             A
I got my question-airy and it lead me to the war,
D7                                        A
I got my question-airy and it lead me to the war,
   E7                         D6/9                            A
Somtimes I really wonder just what in the hell we're fightin' for.

Uncle Same ain't no woman but he sure can take your man, (2)
Well here I am in the army just doin' the best I can.

It's hard and it's hard just to love another man's girlfriend, (2)
Can't see her when you want to, gotta see her when you can.


Subject: RE: Info on Snooks Eaglin
From: GUEST,Mary Katherine
Date: 12 Jan 04 - 10:28 PM

I saw Snooks perform two weeks or so ago, on New Year's Eve, at Rock'N'Bowl, and he was in excellent form. Turned in a very good set, including a fingerbusting medley of "Funky Malaguena" and "Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah" that had everyone in my group rolling on the floor laughing. But yes, truly there's no telling how long he'll be with us, so do go see him if you get a chance.

Mary Katherine

Subject: RE: Info on Snooks Eaglin
From: PoppaGator
Date: 12 Jan 04 - 03:49 PM

I'm glad to see so many responses regarding one of my favorite artists. Snooks is the *most* amazing fingerpicker, and as a performer he is in a league with Louis Armstrong for warmth and humor to match his virtuosity. Plus which, he makes it absolutely impossible to stand still while he's playing, much like his departed buddy, Henry Roeland "Professor Longhair" Byrd.

He's still alive and kicking in the New Orleans area, and gigging about once a month or so (most often at the legendary Mid-Ciuty Lanes Rock 'n' Bowl on Saturday nights -- including night before last). He lives relatively far out of town (in St. Rose) and, being blind, relies on his wife Dee to drive him to jobs. That's probably why he doesn't appear more often, or in more different venues. Also, I think he's still doing at least one international tour a year, and he always appears live on the radio for closing night of the semi-annual fund drive for WWOZ, clowning and cutting up as well as playing his ass off. That would be on a Wednesday night, 7-10pm Central time, once a year in April shortly before JazzFest and once in October. For details on dates, and for the live broadcast, check out:

http://www.wwoz.org

No telling how much longer Snooks will be with us, so if you have *any* opportunity to check him out in person, on tour or in New Orleans, do yourself a favor and don't miss him.

PS -- Offbeat magazine is a good idea -- let me second that suggestion.

Subject: RE: Info on Snooks Eaglin
From: Stefan Wirz
Date: 12 Jan 04 - 02:11 PM

Fird 'Snooks' Eaglin discography online at http://www.wirz.de/music/eaglin.htm

Subject: RE: Info on Snooks Eaglin
From: GUEST,Jim Clark..London..England
Date: 12 Oct 02 - 05:20 AM

A good place to start is at this link
Snooks Eaglin

Subject: RE: Info on Snooks Eaglin
From: masato sakurai
Date: 11 Oct 02 - 11:31 AM

Snooks Eaglin: Biography from CD Now. For his album discography, search All Music Guide.

~Masato

Subject: RE: Info on Snooks Eaglin
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Oct 02 - 11:02 AM

Try Offbeat Magazine's web site at
www.offbeat.com
and then search their archives

Mary Katherine

Subject: RE: Info on Snooks Eaglin
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Oct 02 - 07:20 PM

A Google search for "Snooks Eaglin" finds 3,740 matches.

Maybe try reading some of those?

Subject: Info on Snooks Eaglin
From: GUEST,dave m
Date: 10 Oct 02 - 07:10 PM

Hi there; I am seeking info on any biographic details on Snooks Eaglin including discography and possibly sourcing recordings. Only link I have on this artiste is the song 'Come Back Baby' covered by Bert Jansch (and others) and have known of this since early 70s - but only this!
Many thanks, and best regards to all
- Dave
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