1934 - 1998
 It is very sad to hear about the deaths
of one great blues artists after another. This January, the blues community has lost
two great figures of the blues. Junior Wells on Jan. 15, and Junior Kimbrough on
the 17th. Junior Wells was diagnosed with lymphoma in August of 97, but it was found considerably at an early stage so there were good hopes of recovery. However, in the beginning of September, he suffered a stroke and lapsed into a coma. There was a false alarm right after this that he had died, but the annoucements from his management proved that he was still alive then. In October, it was reported that he was showing some improvement on his condition, but it seems that it wasn't easy to make a full recovery. Very sad, very sad, indeed! Junior Wells (Amos Blakemore) was born in West Memphis, AR on Dec. 9, 1934. He learned to play harp by listening to the likes of Junior Parker. At the age of 12, he moved to Chicago. In 1952, he joined the Muddy Waters Band replacing Little Walter. He became famous by teaming up with Buddy Guy, releasing great albums like "Play The Blues" and "Buddy And The Juniors." Junior had the distinctive funky style of music which had often been compared with people like James Brown. The funky beat on cuts like "Watch Me Move" was definitely something very new to the blues music. He came to Japan in Jan./97 to perform at the Blue Note and he seemed to be in perfect shape then. It was only a year ago! Just shows that you don't know what's going to happen tomorrow even if you are healthy today. Thanks Junior for your wonderful music. We will always remember you! （Masahiro Sumori, Jan. 31, 1998） Photo by Masahiro Sumori    
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