The World Don't Owe Me Nothin'

 

He was there the night Robert Johnson was allegedly poisoned by a jealous husband at a house party in Three Forks, Mississippi, in 1938 (also there that night was Sonny Boy Williamson, III). He has a book out called, "The World Don't Owe Me Nothin'" and a DVD about his life. He was born in 1915 in Mississippi and made his first recording in 1941 for the Library of Congress. He is 91 years old and, by the way, I got a chance to see him last September at the Sebastian Beach Inn (SBI) on a Friday night. I am speaking of David "Honeyboy" Edwards, one of the last living original Delta Bluesmen of the 20th century.

 

I had the pleasure of seeing Honeyboy once before several years ago at the Riverwalk Blues Festival in Fort Lauderdale. It was there, on the solo acoustic stage, that I got a chance to hear Honeyboy tell the story of his firsthand account of the demise of Robert Johnson, his sometimes running partner back in the 30's. When I say that Honeyboy is one of the last if the original living Delta Bluesmen I am referring to those that are in their 90's, e.g., Robert Lockwood, Jr (91), Henry "Mule" Townsend (97), Homesick James (94), and Pinetop Perkins (93). Unfortunately, during the latter part of 2006 Robert Lockwood, Jr., Homesick James, and Henry Townsend passed away-all alive when I saw Honeyboy in September.

 

For the SBI show Honeyboy was accompanied by his friend, manager, and Earwig record company president, Michael Frank on harmonica. I had the unique opportunity to talk with Honeyboy briefly before his first set and later during the first break. The individual I encountered was alert, talkative, no hearing aid or eye glasses, and extremely gracious and patient-he willingly signed many autographs for us fans.

 

Honeyboy's performance was relatively high energy, especially for a 91 year old, and very focused. He commands attention when performing by the sheer intensity of the delivery of each song. By the way, his brand of Delta Blues is not for the faint of heart-it is the original country blues sound that goes back to the 20's & 30's & 40's.

 

I share this story with you because, as I noted above, the originators of this form of music many of us love so much, Blues, are fewer and fewer and the opportunity to hear them live is all but gone. So, do yourself a favor, seek them out, listen to them, and, above all, appreciate them, they've earned it!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Vern Melvin