This is a subject I've seen touched upon here or there, but I've never seen it directly addressed in any comprehensive or thorough fashion.
Do the family members/descendants of famous bluesmen and blueswomen understand and appreciate the history and talents of their ancestors?
We know Charley Patton, Robert Johnson, Rev. Robert Wilkins, Leroy Carr, etc., had family members long ago who understood their fame and their talent. But what level of understanding or appreciation did subsequent generations of descendants have?
I'm certain the story varies widely. Certainly Rev. Wilkins' family understood what a talented man their (grand)father was. Robert Johnson's son Claude, OTOH, had barely any awareness of his ties to the musical genius that was his father, until he was sought out and became wealthy via a royalties lawsuit.
Leroy Carr's family has apparently been traced, but the details of what has been learned hasn't been shared with the public, at least to my knowledge. I've always found it especially odd and sad that Carr could be such a huge star within the black community, and yet be virtually forgotten today. It says something about race in our country, but it also says something about the fleeting nature of fame, success, and the musical tastes and interests of the general public.
Charley Patton's daughter surfaced a decade or so ago.
Understandably, many of these families grew up poor, and their "famous" forebears may not have been perceived in the same way niche enthusiasts here perceive those singers.
Nevertheless, it almost seems tragic that the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of these musical greats may not even have awareness about their ancestors.
Anyone here with thoughts, or anecdotes about famous artists' family members, they care to share?
Do the family members/descendants of famous bluesmen and blueswomen understand and appreciate the history and talents of their ancestors?
We know Charley Patton, Robert Johnson, Rev. Robert Wilkins, Leroy Carr, etc., had family members long ago who understood their fame and their talent. But what level of understanding or appreciation did subsequent generations of descendants have?
I'm certain the story varies widely. Certainly Rev. Wilkins' family understood what a talented man their (grand)father was. Robert Johnson's son Claude, OTOH, had barely any awareness of his ties to the musical genius that was his father, until he was sought out and became wealthy via a royalties lawsuit.
Leroy Carr's family has apparently been traced, but the details of what has been learned hasn't been shared with the public, at least to my knowledge. I've always found it especially odd and sad that Carr could be such a huge star within the black community, and yet be virtually forgotten today. It says something about race in our country, but it also says something about the fleeting nature of fame, success, and the musical tastes and interests of the general public.
Charley Patton's daughter surfaced a decade or so ago.
Understandably, many of these families grew up poor, and their "famous" forebears may not have been perceived in the same way niche enthusiasts here perceive those singers.
Nevertheless, it almost seems tragic that the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of these musical greats may not even have awareness about their ancestors.
Anyone here with thoughts, or anecdotes about famous artists' family members, they care to share?
