More than 25 years ago...I walked through a doorway--one that led me to the homes and backstage venues and friendships and stories of men and women I had only dreamed of meeting. Dreams that were created after years, days, hours, minutes, of staring at album photos that were playing music on my stereo.
All I had to say on the phone to him was, "I was just chatting with...and he said to call you." And the greeting that followed was life-altering as the proverbial door of change swung open.
And one of those doors led to his home, then in Oxford, MS, the home of Bobby Whitlock--and an exchange of phone calls that followed up with an invitation to his home--to sit and capture his memories. Along with that, there was a CD case, inscribed, "To E.C., from B.W." This was from that album.
Instead of Eric, he gave me the CD case.
I wrote the CD review for him, and also a large portion of the stories and memories he shared about Memphis, STAX music, England, George Harrison, and more, in my book, Rock 'n' Blues Stew II.
I once called him on his birthday in March (the 18th)--and he serenaded my friend, Mike, and I from long-distance as a treat.
I could tell more stories that never made it into print--but that's okay because the ones that have been told are just as meaningful and precious to me. I know of those who followed after and heard him tell about his life.
What matters is what he told me one night after I had returned home--he had to call and share his feelings. It's a private matter, but I am forever grateful for being the recipient. That I could impact him means just as much joy as what he shared with me in all the amazement of knowing him. Thank you, Bobby Dubs, for lighting a fire that still burns for music.
