Ealey Benefit
February 9, 2001Robert
Caravan of Dreams
We have been hearing some very bad news about our dear Rev. Robert Ealey lately. Due to bad fortune with his health, there is a very healthy medical bill that keeps on getting healthier. In an effort to help relieve the burden of this escalating medical bill, the blues community has pulled together once again to raise funds. A benefit for Robert was held at Caravan of Dreams on February 9th. A great big thank you goes out to Lisa Dupree of Buddy Magazine for coordinating and hosting the event. The evening was an incredible night of great music and a family reunion atmosphere. In evidence to Robert's value to the blues community, numerous musicians and fans gave their hearts and souls to this event.
Robert`s wife, Helen, was present and although she looked lovely, she was shy to the camera and sat quietly. At times caring friends swarmed her and it was evident that she needed quiet time to absorb it all.
The show opened with Johnnie Red and special guest Landon Spradlin. The stage was shared by Randy Cates on bass, Danny Ross on keyboards and Randy Dehart on drums. Johnnie told a story about a time when Robert and Johnnie`s band had a little bit too much to drink at The Blue Bird. The story went on about how by the end of the night Robert ended up sticking his head out of a window shaking his fingers at the band saying, "Hell with you! You're never gonna play here again!" and then he said, "You need me, you'll be back". It's incredible how many people got their start with Robert and at The Blue Bird.
The next set was Mike Morgan and guest Chris Zalez, who played a little from his recently released CD. Also on stage was Randy Cates on bass and Kevin Schermerhorn on drums.
Third set was Robert Ealey`s band opening with John Williamson at the mike and then featuring Sumptner Bruton, Joe Jonas, Homer Henderson, Dave Jeffries as well as Taylor Williams. The Robert Ealey band consists of Tone Summers on lead guitar, Cisco Allen and John Williamson alternating bass and Derk Douglas on drums. They played a few cuts from Robert's new CD, Electric Ealey, which you can get a copy of from Cisco out at the clubs.
February 9, 2001Robert
Caravan of Dreams
We have been hearing some very bad news about our dear Rev. Robert Ealey lately. Due to bad fortune with his health, there is a very healthy medical bill that keeps on getting healthier. In an effort to help relieve the burden of this escalating medical bill, the blues community has pulled together once again to raise funds. A benefit for Robert was held at Caravan of Dreams on February 9th. A great big thank you goes out to Lisa Dupree of Buddy Magazine for coordinating and hosting the event. The evening was an incredible night of great music and a family reunion atmosphere. In evidence to Robert's value to the blues community, numerous musicians and fans gave their hearts and souls to this event.
Robert`s wife, Helen, was present and although she looked lovely, she was shy to the camera and sat quietly. At times caring friends swarmed her and it was evident that she needed quiet time to absorb it all.
The show opened with Johnnie Red and special guest Landon Spradlin. The stage was shared by Randy Cates on bass, Danny Ross on keyboards and Randy Dehart on drums. Johnnie told a story about a time when Robert and Johnnie`s band had a little bit too much to drink at The Blue Bird. The story went on about how by the end of the night Robert ended up sticking his head out of a window shaking his fingers at the band saying, "Hell with you! You're never gonna play here again!" and then he said, "You need me, you'll be back". It's incredible how many people got their start with Robert and at The Blue Bird.
The next set was Mike Morgan and guest Chris Zalez, who played a little from his recently released CD. Also on stage was Randy Cates on bass and Kevin Schermerhorn on drums.
Third set was Robert Ealey`s band opening with John Williamson at the mike and then featuring Sumptner Bruton, Joe Jonas, Homer Henderson, Dave Jeffries as well as Taylor Williams. The Robert Ealey band consists of Tone Summers on lead guitar, Cisco Allen and John Williamson alternating bass and Derk Douglas on drums. They played a few cuts from Robert's new CD, Electric Ealey, which you can get a copy of from Cisco out at the clubs.
John Nitzinger and his band took the stage next, or shall we say, took the club with his infamous loud and raucous guitar playing. He played a couple of his well known tunes, Jelly Roll and Rap is Crap.
Next was the sexy Cricket Taylor who shared the stage with bass player John Williamson and drummer Derk Douglas.
Wrapping up the night was the classy Andrew Junior Boy Jones with Buddy Miles on drums, Cisco on bass, Sumpter on guitar and Danny Ross on keyboards.
All in all, the night was a success in raising funds, uniting Robert's blues family and in musical fulfillment. Thanks to everyone who participated including Caravan of Dreams for providing a wonderful location for this venue.
Next was the sexy Cricket Taylor who shared the stage with bass player John Williamson and drummer Derk Douglas.
Wrapping up the night was the classy Andrew Junior Boy Jones with Buddy Miles on drums, Cisco on bass, Sumpter on guitar and Danny Ross on keyboards.
All in all, the night was a success in raising funds, uniting Robert's blues family and in musical fulfillment. Thanks to everyone who participated including Caravan of Dreams for providing a wonderful location for this venue.
In addition to this event, on January 31st the Wednesday night jam at J&J Blues Bar was transformed into a benefit for Robert. Even after a short notice prior to that event, there was a great turn out.
ROBERT AT J&J BLUES BAR
