Lion,

I don't know if this is where the story on Mississippi John Hurt originated or not:

I went to a Son House/John Hurt concert at Oberlin College in about 1966. Son House played first, and was so drunk he was hardly understandable. When he finished, John Hurt was introduced. At the end of the introduction the audience applauded heartily, and Mississippi John laughed in embarrassment from the balcony where he'd been enjoying the show, and made his way down to the stage.