Not all rock stars are flesh and blood. There are a handful of guitars with names and legends of their own. The most celebrated is probably B.B. King's Lucille, but there are others: Eric Clapton's Blackie, Stevie Ray Vaughan's Number One, Bo Diddley's Big B. They are sort of like movie cowboys and their horses. In fact, Willie Nelson named his battered and storied Martin acoustic Trigger because it was his version of Roy Roger's famous steed.

It reflects a special bond when you bestow a name on an inanimate object. Indeed, some famous guitarists have had affection for their instrument that approaches the attachment one might have for a lover. In his autobiography, "Blues All Around Me," King wrote, "With the possible exception of real life sex with a real life woman, no one gives me peace of mind like Lucille." Stevie Ray Vaughan actually called his battered Stratocaster First Wife as well as Number One and would fall asleep with it in his arms.

In a 2004 interview, Clapton described his pain when he saw Steven Bishop pick up Blackie and play it roughly in a studio: "This felt as if someone had taken a dagger and plunged it in my arm and was twisting it. It was that painful."

Here are the stories behind some of pop music's royal axes:

Eric Clapton and Blackie
Clapton actually built Blackie himself, assembling it from three different Stratocasters that he bought in 1970 at the Sho-Bud music shop in Nashville. Each of the three Strats sold for $100. Clapton retired Blackie in the mid-'80s, and in 2004 Christie's Auction House in New York sold the guitar at auction for $959,500, which, according to Clapton's fan club, made it the most expensive guitar in history. The money went to support Clapton's Crossroads drug rehabilitation center.

Clapton realized how much of himself was invested in Blackie when he tripped and fell on the guitar during the recording sessions for "461 Ocean Boulevard."

"The body and neck were totally gone, but after a few little running repairs, it was playing as good as new within half an hour. That's when I thought: This guitar is my life. It can take as much damage as me. I can pick it up, drop it or bounce it off the wall and it will still be in tune and play with heart and soul. It's irreplaceable."

Stevie Ray Vaughan and Number One/First Wife
It speaks to Vaughan's attachment to First Wife that after his tragic death in a helicopter crash in 1990 near Alpine Valley Music Theatre in East Troy, rumors circulated that the guitar was buried with him. In 1973, long before he was famous, the Dallas blues rock sensation acquired Number One from Ray Hennig, owner of Heart of Music in Austin.

"Stevie didn't have any money back in those early, early days," says Craig Hopkins, author of "The Essential Stevie Ray Vaughan. "He would come in, and every once in a while he would borrow a guitar for a gig. Ray would say, 'Yeah, go ahead, take it.' At one point, Stevie came in and he found Number One hanging on the wall there, and he decided he wanted to take it with him to try it out. So he did. Anyway, he comes back to Ray and says, 'Hey, Ray. I've got this nice, fairly new blue Stratocaster. Would you trade that old beat-up Strat for this nice blue one?'

"Ray says, 'Well, sure. Go ahead.' That's how Stevie got Number One. He traded Ray a guitar that Ray already owned to get Number One. Number One was a gift. Stevie never paid anything for it."

A "mongrel" with a '62 neck and '63 body, Number One took a beating over the years, and various parts had to replaced from the times Vaughan twirled it by the whammy bar or leaned his weight against the body trying to get more feedback. Of course, Number One also gave as good as it got. Vaughan played with extra-heavy strings, and they would tear up his fingers.

"Stevie would get callouses just like any other major guitar player, and if those callouses would start to tear off, he'd just Superglue them back on," Hopkins says. "You think that's kind of outrageous, but that's what Superglue was originally designed to do. It was designed for medical uses in combat."

In 1989, gouged, battered and scarred, Number One had gone through numerous repairs, and it was determined that the neck couldn't take another re-fret, so it was replaced with a '63 neck. That neck was snapped in 1990 when some stage scenery fell it on it at the Garden State Center in New Jersey. Another '63 neck was found as a replacement, and Number One ended up missing only one show. It was with Stevie Ray that night at Alpine Valley. In 2003 Fender produced a custom replica of Number One, right down to the gouges and worn finish.

Willie Nelson and Trigger
Unlike most of our celebrity guitars, Trigger is an acoustic; a Martin N-20 acoustic classical guitar that Nelson purchased back in 1969 for $750 from a Nashville luthier named Shot Jackson. A Roy Rogers fan, Willie named the guitar Trigger figuring it was his trusty sidekick, just like the golden palomino was Roy's

Over the years, Trigger has seen extended service, and a large hole has been worn in the body. It's also covered with 100 autographs from famous friends such as Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, Leon Russell and Gene Autry.

Trigger is testament to the idea that you take all the rules and throw them out the window," says Tom Wheeler, former editor of Guitar Player and author of "The Stratocaster Chronicles." "Who would think that a guitar that's been battered to the point that there's a hole in the sound board would not only sound tolerable, but would sound good and be very distinctive. Which it is."

It is a sign of his affection that Willie refuses to let anybody tamper with Trigger by trying to repair the body. It is a further sign of his affection that during his famous scrapes with the Internal Revenue Service, Nelson is said to have hidden Trigger at this manager's house to keep the government from confiscating it.

In 1999, Martin manufactured a limited edition replica of Trigger to celebrate its 30th birthday.

Coming soon. See pics below:

What can I say? It was fabulous! Temperatures soared but the music was really hot. Ended up seeing a few bands while staying as cool as we could. Using sunscreen and shade cover did not prevent us some sunburn. Discovered a great new young artist: Noah Wotherspoon and his trio were stunning. People were awestruck with what this young man could do.  Based in Dayton, OH he seems to travel nearby, so check him out if you are in the area. http://www.noahwotherspoonband.com/   To listen to some tracks try this site:   http://store.acousticsounds.com/browse_detail.cfm?Title_ID=9234  Below is a picture of the band with my partner in crime at the festival:

As you can tell it was gorgeous in Grant Park and the fountain was helping to cool things off but the shade was better yet.  Other pictures are from the Salute to Jimmy Walker with Aron Burton, Homesick James, Steve fruend, Tino Cortez, Jake Crosby, Glen Davis, and Aaron Moore.

More blues festival pics from another blues fan:     http://www.61south.com/2005_Chicago.html

Chicago Sun Times piece of the Chicago Blues Fest http://www.suntimes.com/output/music/cst-nws-blues12.html

Theme: "Chicago Breakdown"
Grant Park, Jackson Blvd. and Columbus Dr., June 9 to 12 from 11am to 9:30 pm daily (music begins at noon)   (312) 744-3370

Celebrating centennials of:

Jimmy Walker
March 8, 1905, Memphis, Tn. to October 16, 1997, Chicago

Big Maceo-Major Merriweather
March 31, 1905, Atlanta, Ga. to February 23, 1953, Chicago

Meade Lux Lewis
September 4, 1905, Chicago to June 7, 1964, Minneapolis, Mn.

Performance Schedule

Thursday, June 9
“Honky Tonk Train Blues” by Meade Lux Lewis

Juke Joint Stage
Noon to 12:30 pm Erwin Helfer
1 to 2 pm Roosevelt Purifoy
2:30 to 3:30 pm Fernando Jones
4 to 4:30 pm Roland Tchakounte
5 to 6 pm Chicago Blues Poetry Showcase featuring Marvin Tate, Tara Betts, AvantRetro, with a poem by Kim Berez hosted by C.J. Laity

U.S. Cellular Front Porch Stage
1 to 2:30 pm.: Blues in the Schools- “That’s All Right, Mama” Arthur Big Boy Crudup. Stone Academy, Grant Academy, Reavis and Agassiz Elementary Schools ftg. Erwin Helfer and Katherine Davis, Eric Noden, Les Getrex, Billy Branch, Doktu Rhute with the Blues Heaven Harmonica Kids and Roland Tchakounte
3 to 4 p.m.: Nick Moss and the Flip Tops
4:30 to 6 p.m.: From Linda’s Lounge: L-Roy and the Bullet Proof Band w/ special guests Lady D, Lady Cat and Holly Maxwell

Gibson’s Crossroads
1:30 to 2:30 pm Tommy McCracken and the Force of Habit Band
2:45 to 4 pm Grana’ Louise
4:30 to 6 pm Toronzo Cannon and the Cannonball Express

Best Buy Showcase Stage
2 to 2:45 pm Planetary Blues
3:30 to 4:15 pm After Midnight Blues
4:45 to 5:30 pm Madman Blues Band
6:15 to 7:15 pm Steepwater Band

Route 66 Roadhouse
Noon to 1:30 pm A British Perspective: featuring Mike Rowe, Bill Greensmith, Bob Hall hosted by Jim O’Neal
2 to 3:30 pm Blues in the Schools Session

Petrillo Music Shell - 40th Anniversary of the British Blues Invasion
6 to 6:50 pm David “Honey Boy” Edwards: 90th Birthday Celebration
7 to 8:10 pm Kim Simmonds’ Savoy Brown’s 40th year Celebration with special guest Bob Hall
8:20 to 9:30 pm John Mayall and the Blues Breakers w/ special guest Mick Taylor

Friday, June 10
“Wang Dang Doodle” by Chester A. Burnett

Juke Joint
Noon to 12:30 pm Piano Willie
1 to 1:30 pm Eddie Taylor Jr.
2 to 3 pm Detroit Jr.
3:30 to 4 pm Hubert Sumlin and Steady Rollin Bob Margolin
4:30 to 5:30 pm Roy Meriwether

U.S. Cellular Front Porch
1 to 2 pm Sunnyland Slim Memorial Piano Set featuring Barrelhouse Chuck and Henry Gray
2:30 to 4:30 pm Eddie Taylor Remembrance w/, Little Arthur, Johnnie Mae Dunson, Eddie Taylor, Jr., Larry Taylor, Brenda Taylor, Edna Taylor, Demetria Taylor and the New Legends of Blues All Stars
5 to 6 pm Kim Simmonds and Bob Hall

Gibson Guitar’s Crossroads
1:30 to 3 pm Robert Jr. Lockwood Band
3:30 to 5 pm Eddie Kirkland with Eddie Burns

Best Buy Showcase
2 to 2:45 pm Pat Smillie Band
3:15 to 4 pm Scott Bradbury
4:30 to 5:15 pm Latvian Blues Band w/ special guests
5:45 to 6:30 pm Liz Mandville Greeson
7 to 8 pm The Perpetrators

Route 66
Noon to 1:30 pm Wolf’s Family Birthday Party
2:30 to 4 pm Centennial Celebrations: Henry Gray, Bob Hall, Roy Meriwether, Pete Crawford, and Jim O’Neal

Petrillo Music Shell
6 to 7:10 pm Jody Williams with the Willie Henderson Horns
7:20 to 8:30 pm Hubert Sumlin, Steady Rollin Bob Margolin, Pinetop Perkins, Willie “ Big Eyes” Smith, and Mookie Brill
8:40 to 9:30 pm Koko Taylor and her Blues Machine

Saturday, June 11
“Where’s My Money” by Jimmy Walker

Juke Joint
Noon to 1 pm Don Washington
1:30 to 2:30 pm Waymon Meeks
3 to 4 pm Jon McDonald with Eddie C. Campbell
4:30 to 5:30 pm Bob Seeley

U.S. Cellular Front Porch
1 to 2:30 pm Aron Burton’s salute to Jimmy Walker featuring Homesick James, Steve Freund, Tino Cortez, Jake Crosby, Glenn Davis and Aaron Moore
3 to 4:30 pm Carey Bell w/ Lurrie Bell’s Blues Band
5 to 7 pm Chicago Blues Harmonica Project, 2005: Dusty Brown, Larry Cox, Russ Green, Little Addison, and Omar Coleman featuring the Chicago Bluesmasters

Gibson Guitar’s Crossroads
1:30 to 3 pm Linsey Alexander w/Joanne Graham
3:30 to 5 pm Latimore

Best Buy Showcase
1 to 45 pm Diamond Jim Greene
2:30 to 3:15 pm Michael Powers
3:45 to 4:45 pm Howard and the Whiteboys
5:15 to 6:15 pm Noah Wotherspoon Band
7 to 8 pm Vini & the Deamons 

Route 66
11 to 1:30 pm Soul Cooking with Marie Dixon, Koko Taylor and Katherine Davis
2:30 to 3:30 pm Cultural Tourism: the Authenticity of the Blues

Petrillo Music Shell
5 to 6:15 pm Erwin Helfer and His Boogie Woogie Ensemble
6:25 to 50 pm Billy Branch and the Sons of the Blues with special guests Pete Crawford, Lurrie Bell, Steve Freund
8 to 9:30 pm Buddy Guy

Sunday, June 12
“Worried Life Blues” by Major Merriweather

Juke Joint
Noon to 1 pm Frank “Little Sonny” Scott Jr. and Dancin’ Perkins
1:30 to 2:30 pm Alex Dixon 
3 to 3:30 pm Lucky Peterson
4 to 5 pm Carlos Johnson

U.S. Cellular Front Porch
1 to 2 pm Victory Travelers
2:30 to 3:30 pm Geraldine and Donald Gay
4 to 5:30 pm Calvin Cooke
6 to 7 pm George Stancell

Gibson Guitar’s Crossroads
1:30 to 3 pm Sharrie Williams and the Wise Guys
3:30 to 5 pm Fernest Arceneaux and the Thunders

Route 66
Noon to 1:30 pm Songwriters: George Jackson, Bruce Bromberg, Bob Jones hosted by Larry Hoffman
2:30 to 3:30 pm An hour with Al Bell

Best Buy Showcase
1 to 1:45 pm Steve Arvey & Kraig Kenning
2:30 to 3:15 pm Big G and the Real Deal
3:45 to 4:30 pm Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne
5 to 5:45 pm Matt Besey
6:15 to 7:15 pm Molly Nova & the Hawk

Petrillo Music Shell
5 to 6:30 pm Howard Scott and his Southside Review ftg. Miss Jessi and Stan Mosely
6:40 to 8:10 pm Lucky Peterson Band
8:20 to 9:30 pm Mavis Staples

Got out to hear our good friend Rick Holmes with his band the Stratatones at the Milwaukee Alehouse recently http://www.ale-house.com/ where you can sometimes catch some good blues but you can always find a variety of microbrews and some tasty food too. We tried the Barbeque Ribs with some Blue Cheese Potato Salad. MMMMM MMM GOOD! Had a great time and then scooted on out before the (YIKES! I really hate) Karaoke started but that had the advantage of me heading home down the highway (about 60 miles of it) before it got too late. Will post some pics later from that gig.

Before I forget, I will be gone to DC but you can go to this terrific show: 

The Print Edition

Blues Rift : Snapshots Of a Music Legend Lead to Tug of War
Relatives of Robert Johnson Fight With Historian Over Rights to Photos

By MITCHELL PACELLE
Staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
March 22, 2005; Page A1

GREENWOOD, Miss. -- In about 1935, Mississippi bluesman Robert Johnson mounted a stool at Memphis's Hooks Brothers Photography studio, picked up his Gibson L-1 guitar, tipped his fedora and gazed into a camera lens.

Nearly four decades later, Mr. Johnson's half-sister dug the resulting photo out of a cedar chest to show to a dogged blues historian who had tracked her down. The trunk she opened that afternoon in 1973 has since turned into a Pandora's box.

That now-famous photograph and another one that was buried in the chest have become the subjects of a convoluted legal tug of war between the blues sleuth and relatives of the legendary musician, who died penniless and without a will in 1938. At stake: Who is the rightful owner of the iconic images, the only known photographs of the legendary musician, and who holds their lucrative copyrights?

The dispute is the final chapter in an epic legal struggle, now entering its 15th year, over Mr. Johnson's legacy. Earlier, a dramatic trial elevated a sole heir from a handful of contenders, entitling a once-poor truck driver to share in the lucrative rights to Mr. Johnson's music.
Now the dispute over the photos is proving just as tangled, thrusting the blues historian and his business dealings into the spotlight.

"This has been an odyssey every bit as turbulent as the life of Robert Johnson himself," says Connecticut lawyer Stephen Nevas, who represents two family members.

To understand the spell that Robert Johnson casts over devotees of American music, just travel here to the Mississippi Delta, a fertile expanse of northwestern Mississippi that spawned a strain of blues that became a foundation for rock 'n' roll.

Dedicated fans have placed gravestones for Mr. Johnson in three separate rural cemeteries outside Greenwood, after puzzling over the sketchy tale of his burial in an unmarked grave. He had been poisoned, the story goes, at the age of 27 by a jealous juke-joint owner whose
wife caught the singer's eye. On a recent winter afternoon, guitar picks, cigarettes and coins lay scattered around all three gravesites.

Robert Johnson Studio Portrait, Hooks Bros. Studio, Memphis, circa 1935 For decades after Mr. Johnson's death, little was publicly known about him beyond the 29 haunting country-blues songs he recorded in Texas in 1936 and 1937, including "Love in Vain" and "Hell Hound on My Trail."

Still working on the updates to http://bluesbaby.8k.com It's amazing how many broken links and how much time checking it all can take. It also takes a while to build each new page.

My plan for today is to get busy with the updates to http://bluesbaby.8k.com

Not sure if I should make this music or humor since I am ROTFLMAO. On Blue Highway I found the definition of what is "the Blues". Other great blues stuff there too!

Wow its starting already. They announced the first gig at Summerfest. It will be Tim McGraw and Keith Urban on July 9. Not my kind of music but finally they have started announcing acts for my favorite festival. If you have never heard of Summerfest let me say its HUGE!!! Over 450 bands on 13 stages over 11 days makes the Milwaukee Lakefront rock.  Over 1 million in attendance during this great opportunity to sample local and national acts. See more here: http://www.summerfest.com/

I thought I would try the new webspace provided here to see if it can be fun or more hassle than its worth. So far its fairly easy with no glitches.