Guest Author - Charlita Anderson-White

Recently, I had the honor and privilege of spending a few precious moments talking with blues legend, Robert Lockwood, Jr. He is 91 years old, spry and regal waiting to take his place on the stage. He holds court as a king would, his loyal subjects sneaking long awaited moments just to share a thought or word of appreciation.

He is still touring and challenging his blues disciples to carry out the task of spreading the gospel of the blues. Still youthful in his twilight years, his band mates say that he is the first one up and knocking on their doors to get the day started. His energy and commitment is awe-inspiring. And like the flock at the Sermon on the Mount, blues devotees young and old crowd around him to listen and watch, marveling at his phenomenal ability to play both the melody and chords of a song at the same time on his 12 string guitar.

Born in Turkey Scratch, Arkansas on March 27, 1915, Mr. Lockwood has been playing blues guitar since the age of 13. An avid pupil of his stepfather, the late legendary bluesman, Robert Johnson, it only took him four months to learn the technique and he was off and running. Since then, he has performed with other blues greats such as, Roosevelt Sykes, Rice Miller (Sonnyboy Williamson II), Doctor Clayton, Muddy Waters and Otis Spann and has traveled all over the world.

Living in Cleveland, Ohio since 1961, Mr. Lockwood is Cleveland’s brightest blues star and it’s most loved and revered living blues legend... He has received numerous awards, including two honorary doctorate degrees. A street in Cleveland, “Robert Lockwood, Jr. Way”, was named after him in September 1998. Still performing regularly at festivals, clubs and blues events, he makes no mention of retiring. He knows that the demand for his outstanding blues performances remain high, remarking with a wry smile, “How in hell am I gonna retire?”

Good question. At this writing, there are no known musicians capable of duplicating his mastery of the blues guitar. He doesn’t plan on teaching anyone either, having turned down six-figure offers from potential protégées. The secret will remain a mystery.

Don’t miss an opportunity to see Robert Lockwood, Jr. perform. Check his site at www.robertlockwood.com , it’s likely that he will be appearing near you someday soon. If you're lucky, you can catch one of his birthday performances. Oh, yeah, he does party for his birthday....alot. Treat him to a birthday snifter of Hennessey or Courvoisier. Learn more about Mr. Lockwood at www.bigroadblues.com/features/lockwood.shtml or www.roadhouseblues.com/biopages/biolockwood.htm.

Enjoy your week.
Chazz