A Real Blues Singer

Subject: A Real Blues Singer
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 07 Jul 01 - 05:31 PM

A Real Blues Singer believes his voice will only be improved by massive quantities of liquor, cigarettes, reefer and other forms of self abuse.

A Real Blues Singer has cards with his band's name and phone number on them, but generally leaves them in the glove compartment of his car, which is parked at home until he can get the fuel pump fixed.

A Real Blues Singer is not afraid to make up new words for Robert Johnson songs. In fact, he/she has to make them up since he/she has forgotten them.

A Real Blues Singer does a sound check at 7 PM, even if the gig doesn't start til 9, because he/she figures the drinks are free after that.

A Real Blues Singer wil generally catch a nap in the parking lot before the last set, and a real Blues Drummer will have to go wake him up.

Subject: RE: A Real Blues Singer
From: Amos
Date: 07 Jul 01 - 05:41 PM

Now we're talking hard experience. But the bit about liquor and cigarettes improving your voice isn't a "belief" LEJ -- it's true!! 'Smatter a' fact, it's a trade secret!

Love,

A

Subject: RE: A Real Blues Singer
From: catspaw49
Date: 07 Jul 01 - 09:22 PM

LOL.....Well penned Leej.....And a Wailin' A of a shitload better than that other simpleass thing!!!!!!!

Spaw

Subject: RE: A Real Blues Singer
From: GUEST,Frank Hamilton
Date: 08 Jul 01 - 12:53 AM

Dunno. Think the life-style was forced on them. Playing clubs. I don't think they cultivated the life-style to sing the blues but that's my opinion from the blues singers and players that I've known.

Big Bill wasn't a booze hound and later on I don't remember him smoking. Maybe did ealier.

Brownie McGhee was a gentleman and not a hell-raiser by any means. Sonny Terry didn't fit that image either.

Josh White was a nice man. He smoked a lot but didn't drink that much. He was polite and genteel.

These are blues singers who I met occasionally and knew casually.

Leadbelly was a gentleman. Didn't know him but Pete Seeger told me about him.

Frank

Subject: RE: A Real Blues Singer
From: Pontiac Joe
Date: 08 Jul 01 - 10:17 AM

I knew a real blues singer, sat next to me at the bar bummin' cigarettes and shots saying he'd play any Johnny Winter song I request.

Subject: RE: A Real Blues Singer
From: Amos
Date: 08 Jul 01 - 04:02 PM

Frank:

You have the rights of it, and I hope you know that our funning was in the context of a silly thread across the way about "real" folksingers. I think part of the hard lessons learned when you make your living singing is a heavy dose of courtesy.

A

Subject: Canadians can't be Bluessingers
From: GUEST,Robdale
Date: 08 Jul 01 - 04:11 PM

I read that one on one of theose internet jokes.

People are people.

Subject: RE: A Real Blues Singer
From: Justa Picker
Date: 08 Jul 01 - 10:52 PM

There's also this one.

Subject: RE: A Real Blues Singer
From: Benjamin
Date: 08 Jul 01 - 11:13 PM

Frank, you make good points. This thread is just a joke and not intended at any one singer. Blues musicians have been some of the nicest people I've met. I've recieved lots of encouragement for my playing and little judgement for what else I may choose to play. I wish I could of met the people you've mentioned above. I've heard wonderful things from others still living.

Subject: RE: A Real Blues Singer
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 09 Jul 01 - 01:04 AM

Good post, Frank. And, yes, I started this thread with tongue firmly in cheek. There are quite a few of us here in the forum that consider ourselves either Blues Musicians, or at least Blues Music lovers. Because of the roadhouse Delta birth of blues music, there is certainly some element of truth to the tradition of hard living and hard partying. Heck, among the folks in the small towns of Mississippi and Arkansas, Blues was often considered the Devil's Music, the evil antithesis of Gospel. I consider it the music of Joy transcending sorrow. But most of all I consider it just a lot of fun to sing and play.

Now pass that bottle over here...

Subject: RE: A Real Blues Singer
From: M.Ted
Date: 09 Jul 01 - 01:12 PM

If this thread and the other accomplished anything, they drew some comments out of Frank Hamiliton, who always has something to say that is worth reading--

Subject: RE: A Real Blues Singer
From: A Wandering Minstrel
Date: 10 Jul 01 - 10:17 AM

by the sound of things should be mightily relieved if....

"He woke up dis mawnin'"

Subject: RE: A Real Blues Singer
From: Art Thieme
Date: 10 Jul 01 - 09:48 PM

On the other hand...

Art

Subject: RE: A Real Blues Singer
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 10 Jul 01 - 10:25 PM

Justa Picker

That is the joke I was refering to! was it written by mousethief? Very good.

I did have a time, living in Canada, while owning a computer, which I would nominate as blues suitable. but that is way too long a story.