Incurable Blues: The Troubles and Triumph of Blues Legend Hubert Sumlin (Book): The Trouble and Triumph of Blues Legend Hubert Sumlin

by Will Romano, Hubert Sumlin

(Book). Incurable Blues explores the life and genius of Hubert Sumlin, a highly influential guitarist who has survived cancer, alcoholism, and personal and professional tribulations to testify to the classic days of Chicago blues. Sumlin's incendiary guitar playing is heard on most of Howlin' Wolf's classic Chess sides. Sumlin's pick-less playing has inspired countless blues-rock luminaries. Author Will Romano places Hubert's playing and performing style in context, showing how it formed the basis of blues rock and rock n roll and how it bridges the gap between African folk; the work of early masters like Robert Johnson, Charley Patton and Peetie Wheatstraw; the revisionist British invasion guitarists Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Keith Richards; and the modern-era blues styles of Stevie Ray Vaughan and John Mayer.

Genres: Music, History

274 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2005

Reviews

[Liam · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel kind of bad giving this book only two stars. The late Hubert Sumlin, obviously, was one of the greatest guitar players who ever lived, and absolutely merited having his biography written. The author of this book, Will Romano, is an accomplished music journalist. I have read quite a few of his magazine articles over the years, and those I've read were generally quite good.

Unfortunately, though, this book is simply not all that good. I wish it had been better, but the truth is the truth. It was worth reading, but only just barely so. If you happen to love the way Hubert Sumlin played guitar, or are in search of more insight regarding his long association with Howlin' Wolf, you should read it by all means. It is adequate, at the end of the day, largely because an imperfect biography is always better than no biography at all...

[RA · Rating 4 out of 5]

The trials, tribulations, and successes of, maybe, the most original guitar voices in music, Hubert Sumlin. Will Romano accompanies Hubert on his travels, and presents a complete picture of his life, especially after the death of his mentor/"father," Howlin' Wolf.

Mr. Romano lists information, opinion and analysis about many of the albums Hubert Rumlin played on.

One of the last of his kind.

[Ronn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew Hubert, not well, but I played with him quite a few times. I know many of the people mentioned or interviewed for this book. I can state categorically that author Will Romano got it all pretty much right. A well written biography of a nice man and a great musician.