Mike Leadbitter, Chris Strachwitz, John Lee Hooker, Robert Lowery in Summer of 1974

"London, July 13^th, 1974. Made long trek to Chris Wellard's record shop - asked about Lightnin' - a guy took me to (blues authority, author) Mike Leadbitter's house at six. I rang bell, and down Mike came, asked me up! He and I discussed my Houston venture for 40 minutes, he gave valuable advice, to use car to get there, wear shabby clothes & bring whiskey…(I only did the shabby clothes!) ..he was very encouraging and understanding about my desire to meet Lightnin’, and my concerns. He said I must call him when I return, wished me luck, told me I would find him; and we shook hands goodbye - good man.

San Francisco, August 28th. I left to get the very recently opened BART tube system to El Cerrito - as I'd called (label founder, blues/roots music authority) Chris Strachwitz, who had told me Hopkins address etc! At the Arhoolie warehouse on San Pueblo I asked him questions while he packed records - he gave me valuable gen (info); also there I looked up John Lee Hooker(!)'s number - rang it - his wife answered - he said in the background "I'll talk to him " - I told him I'd like to see him, was from Scotland - he said he'll be out of town for couple of days, was tied up today, but should phone him late Friday! His voice so familiar, he stuttered too. Bought a Hopkins & a Bonner LP (demos) for $1.50 ea. from Chris, left El Cerrito. Walked on Telegraph Ave.

Santa Cruz, September 1st. .....walked to be at bluesman Bob Lowery's house at six. This youngish grandfather commented I was perfectly on time, welcomed me in - his family all there, in kitchen. He has a National Steel, played first with bottleneck, Robt. Johnson numbers - "Sweet Home Chicago", "32-20 Blues", "Dust My Broom", "Last Fair Deal Gone Down", and "Kind Hearted Woman" - played impeccably, sang less emotively than original (naturally enough!). He then did a couple of superb Hopkins numbers - all of "Hello Central" and part of "Mojo Hand" and "Katie Mae" - great guitar runs he did!

We talked a while - he moved from Arkansas to Oakland in 1956 but soon went to Santa Cruz. Used to play on the streets, now does picnics (e.g. tomorrow) and concerts (e.g. next Sat.), has been in San Francisco blues festival recently.

We talked about other things - I answered his questions about Scotland, told him about S. Africa. He was very intrigued Chris Strachwitz had told me about him, wanted to know all he'd said - Bob dearly wants to record more than the EP or two he's done, and also to do more performing - would love to be brought over to Europe.

He carried on playing - "Greyhound Blues", Hooker's "Dimples", Muddy's "Louisiana Blues" and "Rock Me", "Baby, Please Don't Go" and "Little Red Rooster/Goin' to Kansas City". I was there for more than two hours, sitting with him on his living room couch while he played, sang and talked. I was really moved at first when he began - it was so good! I shall write Mike Leadbitter about him (he told me it was fine) - he obviously wants and deserves the publicity - being an old time country blues singer, playing many styles. (This did happen, starting with his appearance at the SF Blues Festival in 1974) Finally at 8.10 he finished "Rock Me" and said he'd had enough - we shook hands, we BOTH thanked each other for a great evening!"