I just wanted everybody to know that a member of the Cincy Blues Society and good friend of MAK and myself has passed away and gone home to his better place.
His name was Frank Lee and he was a character of the highest order. I called him ‘evil Santa’, because he looked the part.
He was confined to a electric wheelchair ever since I’ve known him, due to polio as a kid. That didn’t stop Frank from getting around though. For years, he had a series of vans that were set up with hand controls and a ramp to let him enter the vehicle.
I don’t really remember when or where I met Frank, although it was probably at Bean Blossom or the King Biscuit Blues festivals, even though he lived in Cincinnati. He attended both of those Blues fests for years and, for me, it was always a treat to see him and hear his ‘take’ on the days talent.
He was the most outspoken Blues commentator that I’ve ever known. People think I’m blunt about what I like in the blues, but, believe me, I could never hold a candle to Frank’s candid opinions about everything Blue. He held nothing back, ever.
I found that infuriating and charming at the same time. He had a keen sense of what was ‘good’. He made no bones about it, but I always respected his opinions, if not always agreeing.
Frank was one of the cool ones, a true original. RIP buddy.
~ Dave Warford
