I’m so sad to say that my great good musician friend and Mississippi mentor, R. L. Burnside, has died today in Memphis. I know a few SD folks, including Ogre, admired him. I just found out, there’s nothing yet on the Net, but here’s a link to his record company: http://www.fatpossum.com/artists/rl.html
Rule was an incredibly beautiful person as well as an amazing blues musician. His North Mississippi style music was hypnotic, and kept alive West African tradition, even through the worst of times in a poor rural area. More than a musician, Rule was a griot; he served as a community uniter, playing music in the local jukes to get people through the week, also a storyteller, joketeller, spirit-lifter, and problem-solver to a huge extended family and community.
I took him on tour a few times, and was always amazed by his ability to get everyone to laugh and brighten up when things got cramped and cranky in the van. His MO was , when things got rough, give people some reason to laugh and keep on.
In the larger world, he recently achieved fame by synthesizing blues with indie rock and hip-hop. Everyone loved to play with him, he was open to new music, and just made it a great experience musically, summoning the slide guitar of Fred McDowell so that the new kids could hear that and learn it’s brilliance.
Many of his twelve children are also great musicians, and play with the active Memphis/N. Missisissippi younger bands; North Mississippi Allstars and Knockdown Society.
I’m at a loss for words. RL was a great man. His music was brilliant, his shining self taught me how to be a better person. I will always miss him.
If you don’t know his music, give a listen, because it’s Right On Time.