"I Still Ain't Through Yet!"
- The Survival of Hubert Sumlin
By Bob Margolin
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Hubert Sumlin
Photo By Bob Margolin
Hubert Sumlin has been in the Blues news for the last
couple of years for prevailing over life-threatening challenges: A heart attack
last August and losing a lung to cancer in 2002. His friends and fans have been
particularly worried - Hubert is almost 73 years old and we've already lost too
many Blues legends of his generation.
Hubert is famous for his years of playing guitar with Howlin'
Wolf and applying his unique, creative guitar style to many of Wolf's most
famous recordings. His younger but departed friends Jimi Hendrix and Stevie
Ray Vaughan always cited Hubert as a major influence. But though he is one
of the all-time greatest and most inspiring Blues guitar players, Hubert's
warmth, friendliness, and remarkable social grace make us love him and care
about him for more than just his music.
I want to let the very concerned Blues world know more about
what Hubert's been through as we welcome him back. I spoke to Hubert and his
manager, Toni Ann Mamary, who deserves a lot of credit for his survival by her
vigilant dedication and intense day-by-day care. She can tell us of Hubert's
illnesses as well as his musical activities.
On Saturday September 18, Hubert played his first gig since
his heart attack, as a special guest with The Nighthawks at the Taste of
the Blue Ridge Blues & Jazz Festival in Roanoke, Virginia. Hubert tells us:
Hubert Sumlin: I'm back! When I had my heart attack,
I thought I was dead, but when I woke up I found I still ain't through yet.
When I picked up my guitar when I was still in the hospital, I felt excited
like a little kid who just had learned. I had to give up my bad habit [smoking]
-- "The things I used to do, I can't do no more" [referring to the
famous Guitar Slim song]. My breathing's much easier now, and I stood up
when I played instead of sitting down. They said I played 90 minutes, but it
went by much faster.
Bob Margolin for BluesWax: Toni, tell us what
happened to Hubert when he had his heart attack.
Toni Ann Mamary: Hubert was, at the time, in his
hometown of Milwaukee, enjoying himself at the casino, when he passed out. The
security guards there are paramedics and so they managed to revive him. However
Hubert, being the stubborn old Blues musician he is, refused to go into the
ambulance that was soon called for him to take him to the hospital. Instead he
requested that he go to the comfort of his own home to rest. Within that
crucial hour, at his home, Hubert passed out again, but this time it put him
into a semi-coma and at death's door. When I arrived the next morning after I
got the call from his neighbor, (Thank God he was with him) I found him
unresponsive and critical. I was asked to keep talking to him ... Sometimes
he'd respond by kicking, turning his head back and forth or simply holding and
letting go of my hand. This went on for hours. I would tell him that everyone,
friends, fans, and family alike were all out there pulling for him and how he
told me that "he ain't through yet." Just like Hubert. I was having
my ins and outs. I was being told that if he didn't come out of it within 24
hours that there would be possible brain damage. I couldn't imagine that ... as
vibrant and youthful as I've always known him ... that so quickly he could
succumb to this.
Needless to say Hubert survived. His zest for life couldn't
be overcome! He wanted to live and never gave into what had hit him. The doctor
even wrote in his report that it was a miracle that he had come out of this.
Hubert was bleeding internally and his blood count dropped to dangerous levels,
causing strain on his heart and generating it to failure. We still don't know
what happened there, how he walked out of that hospital is a mystery. I have
him back here in New York City, where he's receiving some of the best care on
the planet. We will get to the bottom of that and treat it with whatever is
available to him. One thing we now know for sure is that cancer was in fact
ruled out. Amen to that! And Bob, please allow me to take this opportunity now
to thank all of his fans and friends for their gratitude, love, respect, and
prayers. Bless your hearts! Miracles do happen and Hubert is living proof. Jim
Morrison once said that, "You cannot petition the Lord with
prayer." He was dead wrong, folks (no pun intended)!
Bob: Tell the fans about Hubert's 2002 operation for lung
cancer and recovery.
Toni: Ahhh ... the nightmare that I'm still not over.
In the fall of 2002, Hubert complained of chest pains and again, would not go
to the doctor. He was coming by me a few weeks later and I told him that he
couldn't stay here unless he did. He gave in and on we went. I took him to a
general practitioner, where they gave him a full physical, that included chest
x-rays. They found a mass and told us there was a strong possibility of lung
cancer. Hearing that, we called our friend and cancer survivor Levon Helm who
then directed us to Sloan-Kettering in New York City. After a few months and
numerous tests, they thankfully discovered that the cancer had not
metastasized. The doctors were amazed, as they said that this type of cancer
normally doesn't show any symptoms until it's too late. Leave it to Hubert to
beat the odds! We obviously caught it in time, but the only thing was, that
they were going to have to remove the entire left lung. However, there was not
going to be any of that dreadful chemo or radiation. Sounded scary at first,
but after some extensive research, I found that people who've only had partial
removal had the greater odds of the cancer reoccurring. And at his age, we
thought this was the best way to go, as people can still carry on with their
normal lives with only one lung. He recovered beautifully and was back onstage
by New Years Eve, ironically so with Levon! This is also when he coined the
phrase. "I ain't through yet"
Bob: What are some of Hubert's highlights since he's
cheated Death twice?
Toni: I would say the biggest one to date would be
when Hubert sat in with The Rolling Stones at Madison Sqaure Garden in
New York City in January 2003. He performed "Let It Bleed" with the
boys. When he came off that stage with over 20,000 people standing on their
feet applauding; I can't say I've ever seen him more ecstatic. He had a smile as
wide as Manhattan. But the most precious to him are playing with the boys from
back in the day. Pinetop, Cotton, Carey Bell, and Calvin
Jones are always going to be the shows that he holds nearest and dearest to
his heart. Anytime, any given day. They share something that we can only read
about in history books. Then there are those unlikely musicians, or so one
would think, that take the time and opportunity to thank him for his
contributions to music. Recently, I bumped into Elvis Costello who sent
his latest CD, The Delivery Man, to us where he gave a tip of the hat to
Hubert Sumlin in the liner notes. It's cool to know that Hubert's sound
influences so many generations and genres over the years.
Bob: What kind of gigs and musical situations is Hubert doing
these days?
Toni: Back here in New York City, the hottest lineup
is when Hubert does The Howlin' Wolf Tributes, along with David Johansen,
Levon Helm, Dave Maxwell, Jimmy Vivino, and Mike Merritt.
Of course Hubert's also been gigging a whole lot with your All-Star Blues
Jam all over the world. You have some of the finest musicians lined up,
like Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, Carey Bell, Pinetop Perkins, and
Mookie Brill. He really enjoys those gigs when he gets to kick it with
you doing some classic Muddy and Wolf numbers, making the show that more
magical! It's a perfect blend.
Bob: Tell us about Hubert's special friendship with Eric
Clapton, and the Crossroads Festival.
Toni: Eric and Hubert go way back to the London
Howlin' Wolf Sessions. Each enjoys a mutual love and respect for the
other's craft and friendship. Eric, over the years, has proven that he always
stays true to his roots by recording for Hubert's solo efforts as well as
including him in a spectacular lineup at the past summer's Crossroads Guitar
Festival that took place in Dallas. Eric extended his invitation citing that he
wanted to gather his favorite guitar players of all time in effort to raise
money for his rehab centers in Antigua. Hubert shared the stage with Eric, Robert
Cray, Buddy Guy, and Jimmie Vaughan. For those who couldn't
attend, the magic will be relived when it airs on PBS and is released on DVD.
Bob: What's happening with the legendary as-yet-unreleased
"Hubert plays on Muddy songs" album?
Toni: The highly anticipated CD, tentatively titled About
Them Shoes is due to hit the streets before the year's end. Featured
vocalists and players include Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, Levon Helm,
James Cotton, you, Mudcat Ward, Paul Oscher, David Maxwell, Blondie
Chaplin, David Johansen, George Recile, and Nathaniel Peterson.
The record's concept was brought to us by Keith Richards, for them to record
all Muddy Waters covers. And at this time, we may have one more high-profile
singer contributing. It's a surprise, so I can't say right now ... it's been
four years in the making now, due to finances and contractual agreements. We're
currently in negotiations with a major label.
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Hubert and Eric Clapton
Photo By Toni Mamary
Bob: What are Hubert's playing and recording plans now?
Toni: Should all go well with this contract
agreement, we'll be required to put out another CD. We haven't decided what
direction the next one will take, but so far hot, young musicians like John
Mayer have intently expressed wanting to record with Hubert. If Hubert's
health and record negotiations all run smoothly, well, then nothing will be
impossible ...
Bob: Hubert, when you're having a hard time, your fans and
friends show more concern and love than I see for most other performers. I hope
you feel like your great guitar playing and the way you treat people comes back
to you when you're facing challenges. Anything you'd like to say to your
friends and fans? You had a lot of folks praying for you ...
Hubert: I could feel it ... that's why I'm here!
Bob Margolin is a contributing editor at BluesWax. Bob
may be contacted at [EMAIL PROTECTED].
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This Week in BluesWax:
Hubert Sumlin
- In the E-zine:
After battling through once again, Hubert Sumlin is on the road to recovery and
ready to take on the Blues road once again. Check out what this Blues legend is
up to as Bob Margolin sits down with Hubert and his manager.
- On the News
Page: Delta Moon News; Dan Aykroyd and Ben Manilla Put Out Book;
Winterfest Accepting Showcase Applications; Happenings At This Week's King
Biscuit Blues Festival; Checkerboard Lounge Reopening; Ray Charles Tribute Show
News; Belgium's Biggest Blues Bash Ever This Weekend; New Doug MacLeod CD;
Robert Randolph On Austin City Limits This Weekend; and much more Blues
News From Around the world!!!!
- On the Photo
Page: Notodden Blues Festival Pix
- On the Blues
Bytes page: One of the best live music television shows turned 30 this
season. Check out what's going on with Austin City Limits in their 30th
anniversary season. And tune in this weekend to see one of our favorites,
Robert Randolph!
- On the Blues
Beat page: BluesWax went to get spanked and instead got blown
away by the Wiyos. Check out this great act from out east.
- Under BluesWax
Picks: Beardo reviews Raw Deal from Bill Perry and Sean
Chambers' Humble Spirits; P. Kellach Waddle reviews Mellisa Martin and
the Mighty Rhythm Kings' On The Mark; Vincent Abbate reviews Billy Joes'
Bluez; plus reviews of Second Nature by Carey & Lurrie Bell
and Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown's latest, Timeless.
- One
Year Ago Today In BluesWax: After a brief break in the interview to
accommodate the much-anticipated release of the film series The Blues on
PBS, we rejoin our conversation with Fiona Boyes.
- Don't forget to play the Blues Trivia
Game: Remember, everyone who plays is in the drawing for the prize!
This week's prize: the CD Timeless by Clarence "Gatemouth"
Brown, courtesy of our friends at Hightone Records. Play Today.
