Browsing: Obituary

To his family, friends, and the local blues communities he was a titan. Robert was the founder and artistic director of The Ealing Blues Festival, the longest running event of its type in London. He was also a self-deprecating “bluesmaster, funkateer, global groover and raconteur.”

His unconventional bass playing style was influenced by his classical music and jazz background, which played a key role in shaping the Dead’s distinctive sound.

Kris belonged to a small group of iconoclastic artists who fought for and won their creative freedom outside of the Nashville establishment that dictated the sound of most country music of the era.

There is a pain and loneliness in several of his songs that many of us can identify with in one way or another. He writes about it in a language we understand.

Eagles staples such as “Best Of My Love,” “Heartache Tonight,” “New Kid In Town,” “Victim Of Love,” and “How Long” were co-written or written by Souther.

“I’ve had a very interesting life,” blues legend John Mayall once told American Blues Scene. “And I think, being a musician, you are able to put your experiences into music. That’s the nice thing about the blues is you can tell your stories through words and music.”

Quotes from interviews with Dickey in 1985 and 2002

Dickey Betts (December 12, 1943 – April 18, 2024)

It was an absolute honor to call Paul a good friend, and to work together on Johnny Winter’s legacy.

“Since Elvis is everywhere, we know he was waiting for him in the alley out back. Heaven help us all.”

Marshall Chess himself told me, “I always had deep respect for his knowledge and honesty and true love of the blues.”