Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Jeff Norwood, SC Bluesman, has died BLUES NEWS April 23, 2012

Blues Moon Radio learned the sad news yesterday afternoon that South Carolina native Bluesman, Jeff Norwood, has passed away.



Jeff was a long-time friend of the Blues Moon with Clair DeLune radio show and has appeared live in the WUSC studio many times. Everyone was looking forward to his next visit, but we knew we had to compete with the lure of the Delta for the talented musician's time.

His family roots were Deep Delta. I heard the sad news just before five p.m. from his cousin, the talented artist Norwood Creech, from Lepanto, Alabama, who had learned of it from Jennifer Mathus, who is married to Jimbo Mathus, who collaborated on Jeff's last CD, Push Pilin'.

Jeff called me about 18 months ago, when he was ready to name the CD and asked my thoughts on his suggested names. I thought Push Pilin' was a great name, and feel honored he eventually chose the one I thought was the best - although they were all good choices - some were less suitable for airplay. Something tells me some of the more audacious ones he tossed out for my consideration were designed solely to elicit a reaction. Jeff was always controversial and pushed people to think hard, pay attention and get their voices heard on issues that were important to society.

Jeff was proud of his work and his collaboration with Jimbo Mathus on the Push Pilin' CD, which he recorded down in the Hill Country of Mississippi. He debuted it live on Blues Moon Radio prior to its release. There was no hint that would be his last visit to the studio to sing, laugh and rant a bit about the vagaries of life and politicians.

Jeff was volatile, talented, opinionated, vibrant, deeply touched by life and, in return, always left a big imprint on whomever he came into contact with. He lived life "large" as they say... and he truly left this world too soon.

He is missed, personally and professionally. Our hearts go out to his family, which includes a wife and beautiful young daughter, and a grown son from a former marriage as well as many cousins and other family members who are as shocked as I am to learn of his passing at such a young age. Jeff Norwood leaves a big hole in the Carolina music world, and in the world of Blues.

So long, my friend...
Clair DeLune