Robert Lockwood Jr., gone but not forgotten

I would guess that it was Chuck Berry, the Fabulous Thunderbirds and Ike Turner that were the biggest draws at the Doheny Blues Festival when it was staged in Dana Point in September 2004.

But the best performer of the day was not among the headliners, nor among the young up-and-comers on the bill that day. In fact, it was the appearance of Robert Lockwood Jr. that made the fest so memorable for me. Lockwood, then nearing age 90, sang and played his electric 12-string guitar with emotional weight and purpose that defied his age. Lockwood, who was taught guitar by Robert Johnson and was likely the last living music link with the legendary bluesman, performed a magical 45-minute set at the Backporch Stage, including great versions of "C.C. Rider" and "Ramblin on My Mind."
He will be missed...