I’m Blue Over Red
Iverson “Louisiana Red” Minter died today. He’d been in a coma after suffering a stroke last Monday. He was a a true blues original.
I’ve written about him before but can’t find the post. His life read as one long blues song: his mother died shortly after giving birth to him, his father was lynched by the Klan, he lived in an orphanage for a spell, lost his first wife to cancer, and he left the U.S. to live abroad when it was obvious that Europeans treated our bluesmen better. Those are just a few of the key points. What you don’t get from any of that is just how vibrant his music was or how his smile would light up a room. While I’m so very sad to hear of his passing, I’m glad I have the memories of meeting him and watching him perform.
Some of you may remember this song I’d posted years ago. If you don’t, it’s a good introduction to the man’s music.
Dig through some of the videos on YouTube and enjoy Louisiana Red’s legacy. You won’t be sorry.
It’s been a tough year for the blues. A tough, tough year. So many gone…
“His life read as one long blues song: his mother died shortly after giving birth to him, his father was lynched by the Klan, he lived in an orphanage for a spell, lost his first wife to cancer…”
My goodness, you’re not kidding. Talk about paying your dues…
Comment by Stu — 2012/02/27 @ 07:11
I’m gonna make people into blues fans if it’s the last thing I do.
Comment by Da Goddess — 2012/02/28 @ 00:02