Sonnyboy Ellis
I'm hoping some other bluesmen will hear and like, and hopefully record some of my songs. I'd like to write a song that becomes a blues standard.
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
I've been writing mostly blues songs for more than 45 years now. Oftentimes, I'll write with a particular bluesman in mind. Like yeah, I could picture Big Bill, or Fred McDowell, or BB or Otis, or Buddy or Eric doing this particular one. Their phrasing. Their cadence. Their style.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
I was once on stage with BB but I really don't want to talk about it.
Your musical influences
Mississippi Fred McDowell, Lightning, Muddy, Little Robert, Big Bill, Willie Dixon, Elmore, Buddy, Eric, the 3 Kings, John Lee, Otis, Aretha, King Curtis, etc. all of the old blues guys.
What equipment do you use?
I'm on a tropical island riding out this lockdown. Good equipment is scarce. Some homemade. Recording outside, in the country, in case you hear roosters, dogs, kids, etc.
Anything else?
Proceeds, if any, to a local home for street children.
