Topic: Which blues greats are still alive?

[cc132]

I know that we are down to a handful, but who are they?  I know that Pinetop Perkins and Honeyboy Edwards are still kicking.

Are any of the great Piedmont players still around?  Last one I knew of was Etta Baker, who left us in 2006.

[Johnm]

John Dee Holman is still alive.  George Higgs and Algia Mae Hinton are still alive, but have serious health challenges, I think.  Warner Williams is still alive.  At this juncture, it makes sense not even to consider "greatness", but simply whether anyone is still alive and playing the music in any way.
All best,
Johnm

[oddenda]

Sad, but true... time marches on.

pbl

[TonyGilroy]

With Les Paul's passing I'd bet that Honeyboy is the only survivor from the pre war B&GR.

On the other hand I was astonished to read that Wade Mainer's still alive so maybe Blind Blake's been quietly entertaining in an old age home in Florida these last 40 years.

[Screamin and Hollerin]

Pinetop Perkins is even older than Honeyboy.  And like Honeyboy he is still touring.

[Blues Vintage]

Not really a blues legend, but I was amazed reading Pete Seeger is still alive

[Vintage Licks]

Here is reference site of who?s not still with us.
At first glance, it looks kind of grim, but looking close they seem to be treating the subject with respect.
They do provide lots of linked information there.

(My post is not an endorsement nor do I have any affiliation with these folks)

http://www.deadbluesguys.com/

[RobBob]

We played a gig with George Higgs a couple of years ago.  He was a treat to hang out with and hear.  He played so long we only got a 30 minute slot, but that is another story.

[Blues Vintage]

T-Model Ford is still alive. he was born c. 1920. still performing although he had a stroke recently.

[GavinG]

Speaking of John Dee Holeman I found this pic.




Emily Weinstein and community volunteers painted this mural in Hayti depicting bluesman John Dee Holeman (on steps) and friends at a house party. Holeman is one of the last blues musicians still alive who heard the first Durham bluesmen at fall tobacco auctions. (photo by James Hill, courtesy Emily Weinstein

[oddenda]

How does one define "Greats"? We're really down to seeds and stems at this point in time as time marches inexorably on.

Peter B.

[GavinG]

Hey Peter I've heard that quote before "down to seeds and stems"...you a Commander Cody fan....haha