Back In The Basement
I believe in my mind I came pretty close to nailing the song. It really didn’t matter. I wasn’t playing for anyone but my own imagination. It wasn’t the technique of playing the guitar that excited me. It was the expressive tone of the strings as they resonated from the speakers … My father was right … music is the universal language of expression. And although at that moment, I wasn’t interested in being a musician, something inside of me knew music was going to represent a big part of my life.
This Valentine’s Day would have been Magic Sam’s 71st birthday. People who know me or read some of my past articles realize when I reflect back and think how tragically Magic Sam died; it just gives me a cold shiver.
Sam's reputation was sky rocketing, and at the height of his career, he would amaze an overflowed crowd at the 1969 Ann Arbor Blues Festival. As he headed for international stardom, heart problems took their toll on Sam's health. On the morning of December 1st of 1969, he complained of heartburn, collapsed, and passed away of a heart attack. He was only 32 years old …
What an awesome talent and major inspiration he was. West Side Soul will always be one of those albums that will forever hold a very special part of my early memories. It is an absolute must-own for anyone interested in the blues. Magic Sam knew how to blend all the right ingredients into one tasty soulful package. Rest in peace Sam ...
Do you have a favourite Magic Sam moment or song you love or remember? If you do, please feel free to comment. What a great man to reflect back on …
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