Taildragger RIP - updated

Another venerable bluesman has passed away. This time it's Taildragger - real name James Yancey Jones - who has been playing the Chicago blues since the 60s. He was 82. Taildragger was given his nickname by Howlin' Wolf, who he played with, because of his habit of turning up late. He had an eventful life: he was married six times, and was convicted of second degree murder for killing another blues musician, Boston Blackie, in 1993. He recorded four albums - his first being in 1996 when he was already 56. This first one, 'Crawlin' Kingsnake', released on St George's records, was named after his earlier nickname of Crawlin' James, named because of his habit of crawling around on stage. Later albums were 'American People' in 1998 and 'Live At Rooster's Lounge', both on Delmark, and 'Longtime Friends in The Blues' with Bob Corritore. Originally from Arkansas he moved to Chicago where he not only played with Howlin' Wolf but with many other bluesmen including Hubert Sumlin, Carey Bell and Willie Kent. I saw Taildragger at Antone's in Austin (pictured above) last year when he was one of the blues artists taking part in the Eastside Kings Blues festival. I wrote at the time: 'Looking smart in a wide brimmed hat and brown suit he sat for his act as he was clearly none too mobile, but his deep voice was excellent. Numbers included 'Trouble', 'Where Did That Woman Go' and 'Be Careful' and backing by guitarist Hash Brown and harmonica player Keith Dunn was excellent.'

Another more publicised death is that of Jimmy Buffett, aged 76. He was a singer/songwriter who began his career in New Orleans and had a major hit in 1977 with 'Margaritaville' which eventually led to him creating a huge network of restaurants and hotels. He recorded 30 albums featuring various musical styles including country, rock, calypso and folk, and appeared in dozens of movies. But somehow he never appealed to me, although I did enjoy some good nights of music in Margaritaville in New Orleans (and elsewhere) over the years.

Just heard via Noah Schaffer that doo-wop singer Larry Chance has died at the age of 82. With his group the Earls Larry had a big hit in 1962 with 'Remember Then' and smaller hits with 'Never'. 'I Believe' and 'Life Is But A Dream'. I saw Larry at the Long Island Doowop festival on several occasions including 2016 (pictured above) and he always put on a good show. RIP.