RIP - John Cephas

[fattdad]

John Cephas is dead. He was 78 years old and born in 1930. He and his performing partner, Phil Wiggins were international embassadors of "Piedmont Blues". John played fingerstyle guitar and Phil played the harmonica.

I was luck during 2007 and 2008 to have taken guitar lessons from John in his home just north of Bowling Green, Virginia. He took me as a student and I had no experience in playing fingerstyle guitar, I just knew some cowboy chords and the like. He was patient and knew how to get me to learn. I benefited greatly.

Yesterday was a sad day for his fans, students, family and friends. I remain stunned.

f-d

¡papá gordo ain’t no madre flaca!

 

[BigH]

fattdad: Sorry to hear about your mentor's passing. I've followed the blues to a degree but had not heard of John. For our pals, I've provided a link below that will shed some light on John's life and music.

http://www.cephasandwiggins.net/home.htm

 

[fattdad]

Thanks BigH. To those that enjoy YouTube, you can also search for John Cephas and see video of him performing/teaching and the like. I highly recommend his albums, Somebody Told the Truth and Guitar Man. That said, Smithsonian Folkways released a new recording of Johh and Phil's music last year and it is also likely very good.

f-d

¡papá gordo ain’t no madre flaca!