Friday, May 1, 2009

Dead Page-- New Orleans Guitarist and Singer

SNOOKS EAGLIN 1937-2009

Rhythm and blues singer and guitarist, famous in New Orleans and admired by rock artists such as Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, Robert Plant, and Bonnie Raitt. died February 18th at age 72.

He was known for picking strings with his thumbnail and played with many of New Orleans' biggest stars.

He was blind since childbirth and a self-taught musician, learning to play the guitar while listening to the radio.

One of his best-known songs is the Latin "Funky Malaguena. He could play with almost anyone and has appeared on may of the classic New Orleans recordings over the last fifty years.

I have two of his CDs and a cassette: "Teasin' You," "Soul's Edge," and "baby, You Can Get Your Gun!" Few know him, but he was major. Tom Marker, on Chicago WXRT's Bluesbreakers, played a cut from an album where only 1000 copies were pressed.

This was one talented man. I'm listening to "Teasin' You" and "Dizzy Miss Lizzie" right now from his "Teasin' You" album.

Associated Press by Stacey Plaisance.

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