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Originally Posted by Wynonie Harris
Henry, two weeks ago today, I was standing in the very room that used to be the Chess recording studio - 2120 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago. I could feel the hairs stand up on the back of my neck as the ghosts of Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Little Walter and many more echoed round the room. Seems like a dream now...
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FANTASTIC ! That must have been some experience ! I never visited the studio , and I admit that I didn't know where it was.
When I first went to Chicago for a music trade show, 25 years ago , I took a Gray Line tour to get familiar with the city's history. When we were on State Street the driver pointed out some bullet holes in the wall (where John Dillinger was killed by the FBI) and said that the nearby , down some steps , was a great old blues club where all the "greats" had played.
He listed those names which you mention, and others including Champion Jack Dupree.
I told him that Jack had lived in Halifax for some years with his Yorkshire-born wife , and we often got together for a jam-session and a few drinks (Jack loved Black Velvet - Guinness and Champagne - but he'd settle for a whiskey anytime.)
The driver just wouldn't believe me !
In the Westin Hotel, N.Michigan Ave , I met up with a few musos from Essex , including Dave Roberts who was the UK's demonstrator for Gibson guitars. Dave asked me if I liked BB King , and of course I replied in the affirmative. "Well", continued Dave, "Turn round and I'll introduce you to him". The blues guitar legend had been sitting at the next table ! I was totally awestruck, but he was a really friendly man. Dave asked him "Will you be bringing Lucille with you tomorrow ?", to which Mr. King answered "I don't think so because of insurance problems". I wondered who this mysterious woman was , but of course they were referring to his fabulous Gibson ES Semi-Acoustic Electric Guitar !
Lots more stories from Chicago, but another day perhaps. Happy memories !
P.S. I love a lot of music which has been produced more recently . . . just listening to U2's "City of Blinding Light". Brilliant.