They have all passed away in the last few days. Barbara was Roy's widow. Dobie Gray was one of the very best singers I ever heard and Hubert's guitar on the original Howlin; Wolf recordings is like a genre unto itself. Wow. Got to meet him a coupla years ago. There's a picture of me and him somewhere. Here's an article. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/06/arts/music/hubert-sumlin-master-of-blues-guitar-dies-at-80.html/partner/rssnyt?_r=1

this just in...

Hubert Sumlin's partner, Toni Ann has posted the following:

"I just wanted to share with you, Hubert's loving fans, that Mick Jagger and Keith Richards have insisted on picking up the full expenses for Hubert's funeral. God Bless the Rolling Stones".

God Bless the Rolling Stones Indeed!

Here's the photo of Webb and Hubert:

http://www.webbwilder.com/photos/band/bandphoto_index.php?gig=99998&picndx=10

Kind of eerie that Barbara Orbison died 23 years to the day that Roy did. Funny, it still seems like yesterday. I had front row tickets to see him the year he died, but unfortunately, the show was cancelled. My one shot, gone. Still, did anyone ever mount as impressive a return to greatness as did he? He went out on top again, as befitted his talent.

My tale is far happier regarding Mr. Sumlin! It was in 2009 that after haunting Hubert's website for some time, I saw that the North Carolina Museum of Art on August 8, 2009 was hosting a brilliantly conceived show. They had "Steady Rollin'" Bob Margolin and Hubert Sumlin playing together and afterward, they were showing a screening of the movie "Cadillac Records!" What "Cadillac Records" lacked in veracity, it made up for in music. But you have to admit, having Muddy Waters' and Howlin' Wolfs' guitarist playing with a movie about Leonard Chess [if not Phil] on afterward was a conceptual masterstroke!

Speaking of masterstrokes, we were in awe at the fretwork that night, and afterward we were happy to meet Messrs. Margolin and Sumlin. We bought Bob's album, the aptly named "North Carolina" and were sad that Mr. Sumlin was sold out of "About Them Shoes." Fortunately, I ran back to the car and got disc 2 of my Howlin' Wolf' box for Mr. Sumlin to autograph. It was a magical night, for sure. At one point, my wife held her arm up for me to see. It was gooseflesh.

Afterward, I sent out kudos to the official at the Museum who had put this evening together. He was a big fan and with Margolin living nearby, and Hubert on tour, he connected the dots and made this happen. There was a great turnout for the outdoor show too. All ages, shapes, sizes, and subcultures. There were even some Goth Kids there! Hey, everybody gets the blues!

Hunter, thanks for pointing out the pic. I'd forgotten we had that!