Yesterday the world lost one of it’s last great bluesman.  Hubert Sumlin left this world at the ripe old age of 80 yesterday after living what I can only imagine was quite an eventful life.  In addition to the great body of music he leaves behind, Hubert is survived by his wife, Evelyn; his son, Charles; three daughters, Brenda, Berdelle, and Louise; and two sisters, Maggie and Irene.

By all accounts Mr. Sumlin played a mean guitar.  So mean in fact, that it stood loud and proud next to the baddest of the bad, bluesman Howlin’ Wolf.    While the big names of the Chess records era have become the legends, it was the incredible session men like Hubert that made the music at Chess so incredible.  Hubert’s work speaks for itself, but it also inspired a generation of my favorite guitarists including Robbie Robertson, Eric Clapton, and Keith Richards who have no doubt inspired a few players of their own.

Rest In Peace to the latest addition to that great blues band in the sky, Hubert Sumlin.