Goodbye, Snooky

I just learned from various blues and harp forums that Snooky Pryor was deceased last night. Snooky was 85 years old, and one of the pioneers of Chicago blues, but with a more quiet personality than Little Walter or Sonny Boy Williamson II, he always stayed a little more in the shadows. He always disputed the paternity of amplified harmonica to Little Walter, saying he had the idea first...

I was lucky enough to see Snooky in concert in Antwerp, Belgium in 1998, backed by El Fish, and despite his already considerable age he was still a hell of a player, powerful, sparse and a good, warm-voiced singer. He only played half an hour during each set, but was delightfully cheerful. Great memories.

I don't know his discography that well, and the only two albums I own are the wonderfully laid back Mind Your Own Business and the cheerfully rural Back to the Country with Johnny Shines. Both are recommended !

I remember in Antwerp we talked with Snooky during the intermission and he said something like: Muddy Waters and Little Walter, these guys were hard living. They drank a lot, partied, stayed up late, and always asked me: 'Snooky, come have a drink !' But I didn't drink. And I outlived them all! Indeed you did.

Rest in Peace, Snooky.

Addendum : There's an excellent biography/homage at the Blue Shoe Times here.