Happy Birthday Norman Blake

[Don Grieser]

Born on this day in 1938.

Here's a rare video of him playing his Loar.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWq1lEeJNbU

[Old Growth]

I have forgotten the year but in the mid 70's i walked into a music store in Lawrence Kansas, there was a gentleman sitting playing guitar. He didn't stop at the end of a phrase when taking a guitar break. It was something I had never seen before. Definitely never heard anyone play like that. I was a teenager and I had just been exposed to Norman Blake. I never viewed playing the guitar the same way after that moment. Thank you Mr. Blake. Thank you Nancy.

[Dagger Gordon]

I saw him with Nancy and James Bryan at The Exit Inn in Nashville in the late seventies.
He made a lasting impression, and I subsequently bought a lot of his LPs and in several ways I think he affected my playing, and indeed my approach to music.

Happy birthday Norman.

[Don Grieser]

"Original Underground Music from the Mysterious South" still sounds fresh every time I listen to it. That one changed my life.

One year at the RockyGrass Academy, I got back from lunch early and found Norman playing an old 3 pt Gibson for Ronnie McCoury. Ronnie was literally sitting at Norman's feet watching and listening to him play. Norman played a bunch of tunes and Ronnie just ate it up as we all did. What a treat!

[tmsweeney]

Also my son Ben's birthday!

[almeriastrings]

Awesome. I saw Norman and Nancy live a few times... unforgettable, unique. Nancy is an amazing musician in her own right.

[CarlM]

Someone posted in the jazz section that it is Jethro's birthday too.
Talk about a two-fer.
It ought to be a national holiday.

[UsuallyPickin]

Happy Birthday Mr. B. and Thank you for all the excellent music. Thank You also Ms Nancy for your many parts in that music. Play On ! R/

[ferrousgeek]

Born on this day in 1938.

Here's a rare video of him playing his Loar.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWq1lEeJNbU

I believe the Loar actually belongs to Nancy.