Topic: RIP Eddie Cusic

[Chezztone]

I am very sorry to report that my old friend Eddie Cusic, a Delta bluesman many of you know from his residency at Port T and from his recordings, died Aug. 11 at home after a short illness. He was 89.
Cusic was an electric-blues bandleader in the 1950s in Greenville, Mississippi, and Little Milton was among his bandmates. Cusic pretty much dropped out of music for several decades, to raise a family and work a regular job at a quarry near his home in Leland. When he returned to music in the late 1980s it was as a solo acoustic bluesman, a role that he assumed with great aplomb. His last public appearance was at the Juke Joint Festival in Clarksdale in April.
Here is some biographical info on himhttp://www.arts.state.ms.us/folklife/artist.php?dirname=cusic_eddie and here is a recording
He had a great look to match his fierce music. I always thought Eddie would have been perfect for a Hollywood movie -- he was the essence of Delta bluesman. He also is the source from whom I learned the term "hohoppin'." Great character, great musician. They ain't making them like him anymore.

[waxwing]

Chezz, I'm sorry for your loss. I remember when, as the Hohoppas Jug Band, we played the Portland Waterfront Blues Festival and you introduced me to Eddie. I could tell by the way you two bantered with each other that there were some good times together in your past. Sad indeed, a great player and singer.

Wax

[Johnm]

I'm sorry to hear of your loss, Chezz.  It's hard to lose a friend.  Condolences to Eddie's family and friends.
All best,
Johnm

[jpeters609]

Eddie Cusic's "Gonna Cut You Loose" on the 1980 collection "Living Country Blues USA, Vol. 2: Blues on Highway 61," is a real highlight. Great performance. Really like the sound he got from the electric guitar and wish he had more songs recorded at that time.