Ann Rabson, blues singer,
pianist and member of Saffire—The Uppity Blues Women, died
yesterday at her home in Hartwood, near Fredericksburg, VA. She had
been battling cancer for several years. She was 67.
Ann
Rabson was born in New York City on April 12, 1945. She began
performing as a solo artist in 1962. She became an internationally-known musician
relatively late in life. She was working as a teacher at Germanna
Community College when she formed Saffire with two of her students,
Gaye Adegbalola and Earline Lewis. Here's the story of Saffire's
beginnings.
Their
first CD, Uppity Blues Women, was released by Alligator in 1990. They
subsequently recorded seven 'Gators, plus a greatest hits
compilation. Earline Lewis was replaced by Andra Faye in 1992. In
addition to their fine musicianship, the three women were known for
their bawdy sense of humor, and for writing original songs and
choosing songs to cover that took a feminist perspective on the
blues. Their final CD, Havin' the Last Word (2009), was
accompanied by a farewell tour.
Ann also released four solo albums,
including Music Makin' Mama, on Alligator in 1997. Here's the
title tune.
Last
year, she teamed with guitarist Bob Margolin to record Not Alone
on Vizztone. It is nominated for a Blues Music Award as the best
acoustic album of 2012. The winners will be announced in May.
Eddie C. Campbell
Bob Corritore's Newsletter reports that Chicago singer and guitarist Eddie C. Campbell
suffered a stroke and a heart attack while touring in Germany last
weekend. Eddie is a member of the second generation of Chicago
electric bluesmen that includes Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, Otis Rush,
Magic Sam, Luther Allison, Magic Slim, Carey Bell and Eddy Clearwater. Those that survive
are now in their seventies. His latest CD, Spider Eating
Preacher, was released on Delmark last year.
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