Drummer and storyteller George Sluppick stops by the Sit-Down Podcast to share his origin story in his own words. In addition Sluppick gives the listener a glimpse into his long and fruitful relationship relationship with the road and his love for music has taken around the world. His journey begins with a keen curiosity that was rather organic and involved a box of animal krackers. The rest, as they say, is history. George hold distinction as one of a handful of several so-called child prodigies that were peppered throughout Memphis in either family bands or as featured individuals and has played on streets and stages with some of the most revered Blues, Gospel, Country, Rock and Roll, Jazz, and Singer-Songwriter bands throughout the United States and Europe. The Memphis Bluffs, with it's steam-paddle-boats, electric street trolleys, the world famous Beale Street, The National Civil Rights Museum, "The Museum of Rock 'N' Soul", and the sweet smell of summer Barbeque in the air, birthed such art and cultural festivals as "Africa in April" and "Memphis in May" while also filling the atmosphere with music of varying styles all while maintaining an identity as the "Home of the Blues" and "Birthplace of Rock and Roll". This episode is dedicated to the legacy of all of the neighborhoods, churches, universities, contributing artists, recording studios, mentors, schools, teachers, club owners, street and club musicians, parks and recreation, The Blues Foundation and 'Big George'-Slupp's Dad, Staxx Academy, the Memphis Arts Council, the Memphis Empowerment Initiative of Memphis, with distinction given to Rev. Sonja Walker and Family, the Lee Sisters Family of Civil Rights Activists, Dr. Lulah McEwen Hedgeman-Choral Director-Overton High School of the Performing Arts (and the best music theory instructor who changed my life introducing me to key signatures and ultimately piano), Judy Peiser-The Center for Southern Folklore, the "Queen of Beale Street"-Ruby Wilson, the undisputed "Queen of Jazz"-Joyce Cobb, (of whom I had the pleasure of performing with at her venue on historic Beale Street), Dr. Bill Hurd, Errol Thomas, and Tom Lonardo (for allowing me to solo way too long on modal tunes), Isaac Hayes and Cybill Shepherd for stopping in to hear us during 'Happy-hour-Fridays', Jazz Vocalist and Entrepreneur Debra Sweeney and her "Sunset Jazz at Court Square Square" series, The Fieldstones, Candice Ivory-"Queen of Avant Soul" and her latest-When the Levee Breaks: The Music of Memphis Minnie-featuring Charlie Hunter (with George Sluppick), Black Radio-WDIA and WLOK, Rufus Thomas, Herman Green, Bill Tyus, "Flying Calvin" and Phineas of the Newborn Family (for allowing 'Junior' to bless both the world and our home piano), Gerard Harris (with whom drove with to New York City in 1993 in a Datsun 280z! Love to you big Brother), Sal Crocker, Scott Thompson, Anthony Reedus-RIP (who told me to get to New York ASAP), everyone who doubted me, and most notably Mrs. Edith Hurt (Mom), who showed Kelley, Frederick, and I this great city with style and grace, Sue and "The Little Tea Shop" for it's excellence throughout the years, and the city we call the "Bluff City", aka "1-Town", aka "Memphis-10", the place more and people are calling home from around the world. Music composed and performed by James Hurt.
© 2024 James Hurt. All rights reserved.
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