Watermelon Slim has wrapped work on his fifth effort for Canada's Northern Blues label, Ringers, due in stores June 1, 2010. Ringers picks up where Escape From The Chicken Coop left off, finding Slim performing a style of Americana roots and blues heavily influenced by classic renegade country music.
Since turning full time to music, Slim has released albums annually beginning in 2006 with his self-titled release for Northern Blues (he self-released two albums prior to that in 2003 and 2004). That album earned him six Blues Music Award nominations. He didn't win any that time around but his followup The Wheel Man earned him another six nominations and this time he brought home two statues. He followed those releases with No Paid Vacation before embarking on a journey that saw him working more country elements into his music on Coop and now Ringers. In between all those albums he and his band The Workers have done just that, touring the country relentlessly. It's a hectic schedule but a heart attack in 2002 helped nudge him down this present path and he embraces everything that has come with it.
"I've lived a fuller life than most people could in two," he said. "If I go now, I've got a good education, I've lived on three continents, and I've played music with a bunch of immortal blues players. I've fought in a war and against a war. I've seen an awful lot and I've done an awful lot. If my plane went down tomorrow, I'd go out on top."
Whether it's life informing or art or art informing life, there is something unique and special about Bill "Watermelon Slim" Homans' American story. The Vietnam veteran recorded what is believed to be the first protest record by a a veteran during the Vietnam War. Merry Airbrakes was released in 1973 and later covered by Country Joe McDonald. After the war, Homans made a living truck driver, forklift operator, sawmiller (where he lost part of his finger), firewood salesman, collection agent, and even officiated funerals. As the name suggests, yes, he was also a watermelon farmer. None of that may sound especially unusual for a man who is now one of the most honored blues artists of his generation but that only tells part of the story. Homans also earned a masters degree — among other academic achievements and honors — and was a member of Mensa, the social networking group for those with certified genius IQs.
Article comments
1 - Connie Everett
The is so talented and sincere. his performance at Efes Pilsen Blues Festival was great despite his age and being only himself. Being first to get to the stage was the misfortune of him and people wanted speedy melodies to dance and many of them missed his great melodies. I loved him more than John Lee Hooker Jr. because of his sincere and sweet attitudes. I hope he comes to Turkey again!
2 - Connie Everett
The is so talented and sincere. his performance at Efes Pilsen Blues Festival was great despite his age and being only himself. Being first to get to the stage was the misfortune of him and people wanted speedy melodies to dance and many of them missed his great melodies. I loved him more than John Lee Hooker Jr. because of his sincere and sweet attitudes. I hope he comes to Turkey again!
3 - Cliff McKnight
I interviewed Slim for my podcast when he was headlining the Cambridge festival in England. The guy is the real deal. Check out the interview.
4 - Joanie
I gotta hear this one for myself. I kinda like Slim, not just because of the music but because of that sharp electric blue suit he wears sometimes.
5 - Lazy J. Walker
It's great to see that Slim is sharing his music for all to hear. He has accomplished many goals in order to get to where he is. Hard work and not giving up is what he does best.