Eddy Clearwater (Finding Aid)

Eddy Clearwater

1935 -

Favorite Color: Red

Favorite Food: Ribs and Catfish

Favorite Time of Year: Fall

Favorite Vacation Spot: Hawaii

Interview Length: 95 minutes

Interview Date(s): September 2, 2004

Interview Location(s): Chicago, Illinois

Abstract

Eddy Clearwater recalls his upbringing in rural Mississippi. He remembers Robert Johnson and his early love of blues music. Clearwater also discusses the close ties between gospel music and the blues. Eddy Clearwater remembers his childhood in the South and his early introduction to the blues through the Five Blind Boys of Alabama. He then details his transition to Chicago's booming blues scene, where he started to perform and record his own albums. Clearwater also lists other blues musicians with roots in Mississippi. Eddy Clearwater recounts his rise as an internationally successful blues musician. He then laments the lack of enthusiasm for the blues within the black community, while British and other white musicians incorporated it into the rock genre. He shares his hopes that musicians can rekindle interest in the blues as an important piece of black history and culture. Eddy Clearwater considers his legacy in terms of his recordings, his blues club, and his support for young musicians. He also shares several stories about B.B. King.

35 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)