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Explore the blues-tinged world of Eddy Clearwater
By GINA VIVINETTO
© St. Petersburg Times, published January 11, 2001
10 PRESSING QUESTIONS
From his home in snowy Chicago, blues capital of the world, guitarist Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater answers 10 Pressing Questions about the American Indian headdress he wears onstage, his love life and good blues food.
1. So, you've been playing for decades; you know better than anyone: How does a person know when he or she's got the blues?
Your heart and your mind will tell you if you have the blues. You'll feel it inside. Just like when you've got a headache. It's a feeling; it's truth. Just like now, outside, there's too much snow. It's a light blues. A real light blues.
2. What if you're feeling good? Say tonight, you're happy. Will you still be able to play the blues?
Oh yeah. Because you can relate, still. Just knowing what it feels like. You know the feeling, so you can express it, even if you don't have the blues right then.
3. Is it true you're Cherokee?
My grandmother was Cherokee. It's like being black. I don't really think about it until someone mentions it. I think, "Oh yeah, I'm an Afro-American." It doesn't affect how I play; it's just who you are.
4. You're known for flamboyant costumes. How often do you wear that headdress onstage?
About 85 percent of the time. I like to play dress-up. I like costumes a lot. I like to give people an exciting appearance, to be the ultimate of surprise, you know? Plus, I like to look nice.
5. What's your love life situation?
I'm married. For five years. To Renee. She's a good girl. She travels with me. She's my manager.
6. You used to play guitar for a band called the Five Blind Boys from Alabama. Were they really blind?
There was a couple of them who were, yes.
7. Why do all you blues guys have names with ailments, like, Old Blind So-and-So, and One-Armed-What's-His-Name?
(laughs) I know. We have very odd names.
And you're "The Chief"?
That's what they call me.
8. What's good blues food? Tell me what's on your dream dinner plate?
Oh, black-eyed peas and red beans and rice. And barbecue. I don't eat it so much anymore, just once in a while, but I love barbecue. I like catfish, too. I cook a little bit. Every once in a while I get the urge.
9. Is it true you heard Chuck Berry on your car radio and it changed your life?
Yes. Chuck Berry is a big influence on my life. I do Sweet Little Rock and Roller on my new album (Reservation Blues). I heard him and I was converted.
And you do the duck walk, right?
I have been known to do it, sure. I've got some energy left.
10. You just turned 66 (on Wednesday). That's just a baby for a blues guy.
Yes! Yes! Thank you! (laughs) I'm a baby. I'm still just a baby. I'm telling my wife that. Anything I used to do, I can do better now, 'cause I'm more experienced.
You're a Capricorn.
Yes, I'm the goat. There is no mountain I can't climb.
PREVIEW
Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater preforms 7 p.m. Sun. with Blind Willie James and Allen Moffatt. Skipper's Smokehouse, 910 Skipper Road, Tampa. $7 advance, $10 day of show. (813) 238-8001.
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