Andre Williams in Nortonville

this post has moved to http://www.3313photo.com/2010/02/andre-williams-in-nortonville/

RIP Dale Hawkins - live at the Ponderosa Stomp 2009

A great innovator and personality of the rock and roll era passed away today. Dale Hawkins died after a struggle with cancer at the age of 74. Last year at the annual Ponderosa Stomp festival in New Orleans, Dale delivered an amazing set sandwiched between James Burton (who at age 14 originated the searing guitar riffs heard on 'Suzie-Q' and went on to lay down brilliant guitar work for Ricky Nelson, Elvis Presley and many others) and Deke Dickerson who has been preserving the history of western guitar with his fine ensemble the Eccophonics.

I was lucky to be there that night. I don't remember the exact quote, but Dale seemed so happy and energized by the gig that he told the audience that performing his music with such great company did him more good than all the medicine in the world.

part of the show was broadcast on American Routes

Update: Norton Records has a very beautiful remembrance of their friend up here