Beverly “Guitar” Watkins: A Blues Legend Who Rocked Harder Than Most
Born: April 6, 1939, Atlanta, GA
Died: October 1, 2019 (age 80 years), Atlanta, GA
Beverly “Guitar” Watkins was a force of nature. With a Gibson SG strapped on, she’d unleash a torrent of bluesy riffs that would make guitarists half her age sweat. This wasn’t just skill but raw talent mixed with a lifetime of hard-won experience. Watkins wasn’t just playing the blues; she lived them.
Born in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1939, Watkins’ journey started early. By the time she was a teenager, she was already backing Piano Red, a legend in his own right. Imagine a young Watkins, barely out of high school, touring the chitlin’ circuit, honing her craft in smoky clubs and rowdy juke joints. This was the crucible that forged her fiery style.
Watkins was a show woman, known for her unique playing style. She’d play behind her head, between her legs, and even with her teeth – all while grinning at the crowd. Her music was a joyous explosion of blues, soul, and funk, infused with an infectious energy that got everyone moving.
But her path wasn’t easy. Watkins toiled in relative obscurity for years, a hidden gem in the Atlanta blues scene. It wasn’t until the late ’90s, thanks to the Music Maker Relief Foundation, she finally got wider recognition. Her debut album, “Back in Business,” earned her a W.C. Handy Award nomination, and she began touring internationally, sharing stages with luminaries like Koko Taylor and Rory Block.
Watkins’ music was a testament to her resilience. She faced down hardship, sexism, and the challenges of a career in the often-unforgiving music industry. Yet, she never lost her passion, her fire, or that infectious smile. She was a true original, a guitar slinger who played with heart and soul, leaving an indelible mark on the blues.
Even though she passed away in 2019, Beverly ‘Guitar’ Watkins’ music continues to inspire and influence the blues genre. Her story is a testament to the power of talent, perseverance, and soul in overcoming any obstacle. So next time you hear a bluesy guitar lick that makes you want to move, remember the name Beverly ‘Guitar’ Watkins – a legend who rocked harder than most.
There’s so much more to Beverly “Guitar” Watkins’ story than just the basics. Here are some other exciting aspects you could write about:
1. Her Unique Guitar Style:
- Influences: Delve deeper into her influences, including blues greats like Muddy Waters and Chuck Berry, country, and gospel music. This blend created her distinctive sound.
- Technique: Describe her aggressive, percussive picking style and her use of open tunings, which gave her a raw, powerful sound.
- “Guitar” nickname: Explain how she earned the nickname “Guitar” due to her remarkable skills and insistence on playing lead guitar, which was unusual for women in the blues scene at the time.
2. Her Role as a Female Pioneer:
- Breaking Barriers: Highlight her challenges as a woman in a male-dominated genre and how she paved the way for other female blues musicians.
- Mentorship: Discuss her mentoring role to younger musicians, especially women, encouraging them to pursue their passion for music.
3. Her Music’s Message:
- Themes: Explore the themes of resilience, love, loss, and social justice that she addressed in her music.
- Songwriting: Analyze her songwriting, often featuring witty lyrics and catchy hooks.
4. Her Connection to Atlanta:
- Local Legend: Emphasize her deep roots in the Atlanta blues scene and her contributions to the city’s musical heritage.
- Community Involvement: Mention her involvement in local charities and dedication to giving back to her community.
5. Her Late-Career Success:
- Rediscovery: Tell the story of how she was “rediscovered” by the Music Maker Relief Foundation and how this led to broader recognition and opportunities.
- International Tours: Describe her experiences touring internationally and playing at major festivals.
- Albums and Collaborations: Discuss her albums, including “Back in Business” and “The Feelings of Beverly Watkins,” and her collaborations with other musicians.
By exploring these aspects, you can create a more nuanced and compelling portrait of Beverly “Guitar” Watkins, capturing her unique personality, musical legacy, and inspiring story.
