Robert Johnson 29c Stamp Controversy

An old story but a good one. I remember this controversy well even though I wasn't collecting stamps at that time...

In fact, the only stamps actually "displayed" in my house, is a mint sheet of these blues/jazz musicians which is framed on the wall in my music room.

http://trueblueser.files.wordpress....johnson2.jpg

For reference, here is the original photo:

http://trueblueser.files.wordpress....johnson2.jpg

Whoops - here is the story link:
http://www.americanbluesscene.com/2...-on-a-stamp/

Interesting...Looking at both the pictures? To me he looks a bit dorky without the cigarette.

I always thought either Son House or even better- Mississippi John Hurt should have got a stamp. He's my hero and I play almost all his songs when I play out. I always do John Hurt set. Anyways, it's a neat read and I knew nothing about it. Thank you!







Edit: grammatical error fixed.

Although I agree they both deserve a stamp, the problem is that only serious blues fans even know who Son House or Mississippi John Hurt are. Robert Johnson is far more well known because so many of the songs he originally recorded have been covered by important rock bands.
There are plenty of bluesmen and women who belong on stamps, from Barbeque Bob, Leroy Carr and Lightnin' Hopkins to Memphis Minnie and "Big Mama" Thornton.

I nominate Charley Patton, "Father of the Delta Blues"

I guess your right rev. It's truly a shame that people nowdays have no idea about these legends and their beautiful music, people like "Big Bill Broonzy",Howlin' wolf and Lightnin' hopkins...man that's music to soothe your ever lovin' soul right there! Now I gotta go digging through my LP's..lol

On a side note, I got B.B. Kings autograph once after a show. He was just talking to the little group that had assembled outside and started signing stuff. No one bothered him to do it he just offered! He's such a gentle fella. I kind of thought he was.


spelling error fixed..

I once had the honor of helping the great Henry Townsend to get to his seat when he stumbled a bit right in front of me at a show. We got to chat for a couple of minutes, which was pretty awesome. He was about 94 at the time, and could still play both the guitar and the piano quite well.

That's awesome and an honor!

When I thanked him for all the wonderful music he had recorded, I called him sir, and he gave me the funniest look. I think I might have been the first white man to ever call him sir. Which would be a really sad commentary.