Skip Pitts

Word has come through of the death of Charles 'Skip' Pitts - famous for his wah wah guitar on Isaac Hayes' Shaft - at the age of 65. It's only a few days ago that I heard of a benefit being held for him in Memphis to help with his medical costs for cancer. And it's only six months since I saw him play with the Bo-Keys at the Ponderosa Stomp when he looked well and was in good form (see photo). Sadly his death means that we will be deprived of his excellent guitar work at this year's Porretta Soul Festival where the Bo-Keys are scheduled to play.
Born in Washington, Skip played on Gene Chandler's Rainbow '65 before joining Wilson Pickett's band. He worked with Isaac Hayes for many years and also played on many Stax records by Rufus Thomas, the Soul Children and others. He has toured with the Bo-Keys extensively since its formation in 1998.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFvRvSxsW-I