Detroit mourns passing of Johnnie Bassett

It is with a heavy heart that I report that Detroit bluesman Johnnie Bassett passed away from complications of liver cancer on Aug. 4, 2012. He was 76 years old.

Bassett, known as Detroit's "Gentleman of the Blues," was a silky smooth singer-guitarist, who got his start in the mid-1950s with Joe Weaver and the Blue Notes (the studio band for Fortune Records), backing up musicians such as John Lee Hooker, Big Joe Turner, and Ruth Brown.

Johnnie Bassett performs on June 23, 2012 at the WCSX Blues Brews & BBQ Fest. Bassett passed away Aug. 4 from complications of liver cancer. (Blues Photos by Don McGhee)

"Johnnie Bassett was a wonderful musician and a good friend," said Gretchen Valade,  owner of Mack Avenue Records, parent company of Sly Dog Records, in a press release. "Whenever I walked into a room where he was playing, he would start singing 'Georgia,' my all-time favorite. He was sympathetic and loyal to his friends, and had a good sense of humor. He was a heck of a blues singer who wasn't appreciated as much as he should have been, and didn't have as many gigs as he should have had, but he never complained about anything. Johnnie was one in a million, and I will miss him terribly."

Bassett, a Florida native who moved with his family to Detroit in 1944,  recently celebrated  the release of  "I Can Make That Happen” on Sly Dog. It was one of his best albums ever.

“He hasn’t lost anything,” keyboardist Chris Codish said at the time of the June release. Codish first started jamming with Bassett 20 years ago. “He’s gotten better and better and is still at the top of his game," Codish added. "It’s exciting to play music with him, even after all this time. He’s a master of the blues.

“It’s his presence and the way he plays, his phrasing is absolutely amazing."

After a stint in the U.S. Army,  Bassett lived for a time in Seattle, where he hosted a Sunday night jam session often attended by a young guitarist named Jimmy James, who later became well-known as Jimi Hendrix.

Bassett returned to the Motor City in the late 1960s, but didn't headline his own band until the early 1990s, when he formed the Blues Insurgents. Bassett made up for lost time with a series of outstanding recordings.

He received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Detroit Blues Society in 1994.

Bassett was one of Detroit's most loved and treasured musicians.  Comments flooded his Facebook page following his passing.

"Our loss is heaven's gain," wrote Blues Society board member Wolfgang Spider. "The jam band up there has a new and wonderful member."

Drummer Todd Glass wrote,"It's hard to imagine this world without Johnnie Bassett in it. Thank you Johnnie for sharing your gift with all of us and for allowing me to share the stage with you here and there. So many great nights I was able to spend playing, talking and just plain having fun with you."

"Johnnie, smooth as silk," wrote guitarist Cliff McClanahan. "The best Detroit had to offer to the World."

In an interview with this writer less only two months ago, Bassett talked about continuing to perform.

“Especially when you walk in a club and everybody is glad to see you coming in. What can you say? You have to love it," Bassett said ... "I’d rather be doing this than anything else I know. It gives you so much joy just to see other people enjoying what you’re doing.  That’s what keeps me doing it.”

Bassett is survived by his wife Deborah, daughter Benita Litt, and his wife's children, Lynn Tolbert, Courtney Campbell and Kenneth Pringle. 

Funeral arrangements include a public visitation from 3-8 p.m. Friday at Pye Funeral Home, 17600 Plymouth Road, in Detroit. Floral tributes will be accepted at the funeral home, and condolence notes can be sent via pyefuneralhome.com. The funeral service will start at 11 a.m. Saturday at New St. Mark Church Baptist Church, 24331 Eight Mile, in Detroit. It will be preceded by a family hour at 10 a.m.

For more information on Bassett's music, click  www.johnniebassett.netwww.johnniebassett.net.

To send info to JB Blues, please email Joe.Ballor@dailytribune.com

 

Carl Henry fundraiser a success

CARL HENRY

Gary "Shadowhawk" Ellis reports that a well-attended fundraiser for ailing Detroit musician Carl Henry on Thursday at Scooter's Bar in Flint raised $2,000 to help with Henry's medical expenses.

Henry was not well enough to attend the event, but kept up by viewing photos posted on Facebook, and was able to thank the crowd via a phone call that was broadcast through the PA.

Two other Carl Henry Fund benefits are on the horizon: an Irish music benefit on Aug. 19 at Nancy Whiskey’s in Detroit and a blues music benefit on Aug. 26 at Cooley Lake Inn in Commerce Township.

You can make donations to the Carl Henry Fund on the Detroit Blues Society’s website (www.detroitbluesociety.org). Donations can also be mailed to the Detroit Blues Society, attn. Carl Henry Fund, at P.O. Box 488, Goodrich, MI 48438.

 

To see a previous blog post, click here.

To send info to JB Blues, please email Joe.Ballor@dailytribune.com

 

Benefit for Carl Henry

CARL HENRY

Blues musician Carl Henry has always been a strong supporter of those in need, donating his talents to numerous benefits, including the Detroit Blues Society’s Headstone Project. Now, the “big man with the big heart” needs some help himself.

Henry contracted a flesh-eating virus that landed him in intensive care and near death. According to Henry, doctors gave him a 17 percent chance of survival. But, following four surgeries, Henry pulled through, minus about 25 percent of his left thigh. Now, he faces another challenge as he embarks on a long rehab program with three visits weekly at a wound care center.

“I truly believe that it was the power of prayer from all my friends, which I called my ‘Mojo Warriors,’ that pulled me from the brink,” Henry wrote on his Facebook page. “I truly believe without all my Mojo Warriors’ good wishes, I'd be pushin’ daisies.”

Like many musicians, Henry does not have health insurance, so it’s not surprising that dwindling finances are another hurdle he must clear. But, Henry is receiving a boost on that front from his many friends in the Detroit music community.

The first of three fundraisers will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 26, at Scooter’s Bar and Grill, 6004 Torrey Road, in Flint. An impressive array of musicians have donated their time and talents, including Broken Arrow, Lester’s Blues, The Boa Constrictors, Big Bill Harwell, Flying Crowbars, Greg Nagy, Tim Freeman, Motor City John and Sweet Willie Tea.

A $10 donation will be accepted at the door.

The fundraiser will include the release of Henry’s new CD, “Carl Henry and Tony Berci Live in Detroit – Eat, Drink, Boogie, Repeat.” Many of Henry’s friends, including Gary “Shadowhawk” Ellis (Broken Arrow Entertainment), Motor City Josh (Sound Shop Studios), Peter Jay (Peter Jay Audio) and Steve Somers (Alley Records) donated their time and talents to complete and print the CD, which will be for sale at the event and later available on Henry’s website www.CarlHenryMusic.net.

“He’s the first guy in line when somebody needs something,” said Shadowhawk, drummer for Broken Arrow. “Carl’s always right there. He’s paid it forward tenfold and now it’s his time.  He has a lot of equity in the bank and he’s being paid back by a lot of people.

“We’ve got his back.”

You can make donations to the Carl Henry Fund on the Detroit Blues Society’s website (www.detroitbluesociety.org). Donations can also be mailed to the Detroit Blues Society, attn. Carl Henry Fund, at P.O. Box 488, Goodrich, MI 48438.

The Detroit Blues Society has already delivered a check for $2,500 to Henry as a result of the first wave of generous donations.

Henry expressed sadness that he is not well enough yet to attend Thursday’s fundraiser. Two other benefits are on the horizon: an Irish music benefit on Aug. 19 at Nancy Whiskey’s in Detroit and a blues music benefit on Aug. 26 at the Cooley Lake Inn in Commerce Township.

“I want to thank everyone involved, from the performers to the organizers, for everything they have done for me in holding this, you will never be forgotten,” Henry wrote on Facebook, which now includes a Mojo Warriors page for those musicians needing prayers and positive thoughts. “When people ask you what love is, point at things like this. Thank you all.”

In another post, Henry wrote: “To see the outpouring of love from all sides as my friends help me carry a torch I can't do alone right now, is simply humbling, and re-affirms the love we share of life and music and more is so real. I will be better. And I will always be there for all of you. That is what life is supposed to be about, screw the other stuff. Thank all of you for joining me on that road.”

Johnnie Bassett ailing

JOHNNIE BASSETT

Another wonderful and giving person, singer-guitarist Johnnie Bassett, is ill and dealing with his health issues in a local hospital. He is getting stronger and his family appreciates the support he’s received and asks for continued prayers for a speedy recovery.

Known as “The Gentleman of the Blues,” Bassett is one of the finest people in the Detroit music scene.  So, Mojo Warriors, send your prayers and positive energy his way.

Salgado on mend

Alligator Records reports that soul blues singer/harmonica player Curtis Salgado underwent successful surgery on July 18 in Portland, Ore., to remove a cancerous growth from his lung, according to his manager Shane Tappendorf.

Doctors removed the entire lower lobe of his left lung where a metastasized mass was found. Doctors anticipate a complete recovery. Salgado had a similar mass removed from his lung in 2008. Salgado, who was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2006, underwent successful liver transplant surgery on Sept. 30, 2006 at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Neb.

Donations to help with Salgado's expenses can be made online at: http://curtissalgado.chipin.com/curtis-salgado-medical-fund. Donations can also be made to the Curtis Salgado Fund c/o Odaglas LLC Donation Account at all US Banks or by mail to US Bancorp, 2550 NW 188th Ave., Hillsboro, OR 97124. For additional information, please visit www.curtissalgado.com.

 To send info to JB Blues, please email Joe.Ballor@dailytribune.com

Moe's Rock'n Blues Fest

Brian "Moe" Motyka (photo by Don McGhee)

Local musician Brian "Moe" Motyka was shot and killed on Oct. 6, 2011 on his way to perform at the Harbor House in downtown Detroit. 

Over 40 blues musicians – including Harmonica Shah and Howard Glazer, Erich Goebel, The Difficulties featuring Rachel May, Big Ray and The Motor City Kings, and The Dale Robertson Band, among others – are scheduled to perform at Moe’s Rock’n Blues Fest from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday (July 8) at the VFW Bruce Post in St. Clair Shores.

There will be Polish and BBQ food, artists, games, a bounce house village, dunk tanks, memorabilia T-shirts, and special handmade gift baskets for sale on the four-acre site overlooking Lake St. Clair. Donations will be accepted at the gate.

All proceeds will benefit the Moe Motyka Memorial Fund to assist in solving the mystery surrounding the death of “Motor City Moe.”

For information, call 586-759-8446 or clickhttp://www.prlog.org/11906324-moes-rock-and-blues-fest-to-take-place-july-8-2012-in-st-claire-shores-michigan.htmlor http://www.prlog.org/11888379-metro-detroit-musicians-unite-for-tribute-concert-honoring-fellow-slain-musician-moe-motyka.html

Ailing musicians

Detroit bluesman Carl Henry has always been one to donate his time and talent for worthy causes.

Carl Henry

Now, Henry needs some help.

He has been hospitalized with a serious leg infection and has no medical insurance. Because he has been unable to perform, he has also lost his income.

You can help Henry defray his loss of income and pay mounting medical bills by making a tax-deductible donation to:

Detroit Blues Society
Carl Henry Fund
P.O. Box 488
Goodrich, MI 48438

Also, Alligator Records reports that singer/harmonica player Curtis Salgado  will undergo surgery on July 18 in Portland, Ore., to remove a cancerous growth from his lung, according to his manager Shane Tappendorf.

A partial lobectomy will be performed to remove a segment of Curtis's left lung where a metastasized mass was found. It is suspected to be the same type of cancerous mass that was removed from his lung in 2008.

Curtis Salgado

Salgado will be hospitalized for a period of four to six days and will require a recovery time of up to four weeks. Salgado and his doctors anticipate a complete recovery.

Winner of the 2012 Blues Music Award for Soul/Blues Artist of the Year, Salgado has recorded eight critically acclaimed solo albums. He tours internationally with his own band and has also toured as vocalist with the Robert Cray Band, Roomful of Blues and Santana. Salgado is also credited with being the inspiration for John Belushi's character of Joliet Jake in “The Blues Brothers” movie.

"I am extremely grateful for the overwhelming support of my family, friends and fans and the courageous people that have faced this fight before me," Salgado, 58, wrote from his home this week. "I also want to thank the promoters and venues for their understanding regarding my medical situation. We will do our best to reschedule all of our performances affected by my surgery."

Salgado, who was diagnosed with liver cancer in  2006, underwent successful liver transplant surgery later that year at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska.

Donations to help with Curtis's expenses can be made online at: http://curtissalgado.chipin.com/curtis-salgado-medical-fund. Donations can also be made to

The Curtis Salgado Fund, c/o Odaglas LLC Donation Account at all US Banks or by mail to:

The Curtis Salgado Fund

US Bancorp

2550 NW 188th Ave.
Hillsboro, OR 97124

For additional information, click www.curtissalgado.com and www.facebook.com/CurtisSalgado.

Youth Blues Challenge

 The Detroit Blues Society is hosting a Youth Blues Challenge for bands age 21 and under on Aug. 12 at Callahan’s Music Hall in Auburn Hills.

The contest is free to enter and the winner will represent Detroit at the International Blues Challenge in January in Memphis, Tenn.

Each band will play a 25-minute set of blues, with original songs encouraged.

Interested bands should submit videos or audio to Hillbird@comcast.net.



To send info to JB Blues, please email Joe.Ballor@DailyTribune.com

Duke Dawson family benefit Sunday

Duke Dawson  (Photo courtesy of Blues Photos by Don McGhee)

A benefit for the family of drummer Duke Dawson, who passed away recently at the age of 82, will be held from 4-8 p.m. Sunday, June 10 at the Hastings Street Ballroom, 15 E. Milwaukee, in Detroit (313-873-2955).

Donations will be taken at the door for the show that will feature performances by The Alligators, The Flying Crowbars featuring Erich Goebel and James Cloyd, and many special guests.

To see a previous post on Duke Dawson, click here.

McCarty Birthday Bash

Fans of blues guitar will want to catch Saturday’s “McCarty’s Official Birthday Bash” at Callahan’s Music Hall in Auburn Hills. Joining Jim McCarty and his band Mystery Train will be his “Guitar Army,” including Johnnie Bassett, Bobby Murray, Big Al Grebovic and Jeff Grand.

Tickets start at just $15.

For info, click www.atcallahans.com.

Magness in Ann Arbor

If you missed singer Janiva Magness at the Magic Bag in April, you’ll  soon have another chance to hear her perform songs from her excellent new Alligator Records CD, “Stronger For It.” Magness and her band will perform at The Ark in Ann Arbor on Saturday, July 7.

Tickets are $28 reserved, $21 general admission. For information, click www.theark.org.

Also in Ann Arbor, Mike Brooks and Blueshouse/313 will perform at a CD release party for his new CD, “Mojo Hand,” on June 29 at Zal Gaz Grotto.  Cover is $10 and CDs are only $10 at the show.

To send info to JB Blues, please email Joe.Ballor@dailytribune.com