Aug 12, 2025 10:24 AM
Vocalist Sheila Jordan Dies at 96
Sheila Jordan, a vocalist who was celebrated for her scatting and lyric-improvising abilities, died Aug. 11 at her home…
Bluesman David Kearney — known and beloved by fans worldwide as Guitar Shorty
(Photo: Courtesy Alligator Records)Bluesman David Kearney — known and beloved by fans worldwide as Guitar Shorty — died on April 20 in Los Angeles of natural causes. He was 87. Credited with influencing both Jimi Hendrix and Buddy Guy, Shorty electrified audiences worldwide with his unpredictable, slashing guitar work, gruff vocals and supercharged live shows, during which he would often do back flips and somersaults while playing.
While still in his early 20s, Shorty toured with blues and R&B luminaries including Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, B.B. King, Guitar Slim and T-Bone Walker. Over the first 30 years of his career, he recorded only a handful of singles for a variety of labels and an LP for a small British label. He had released 10 full-length solo recordings since then. Shorty continued to tour and perform well into his 80s. His most recent album was 2019’s Trying To Find My Way Back, produced by Jerry “Swamp Dogg” Williams.
Guitar Shorty is survived by his sister Gertrude Kearney Williams, his four children (Sean Kearney, Edmond Kearney, Tamara Kearney and Rodney Kearney), and nieces Sheena Kearney and Estalita Williams.
Funeral arrangements are pending. DB
Jordan was a dyed-in-the-wool bebopper whose formative musical experiences were with Charlie Parker.
Aug 12, 2025 10:24 AM
Sheila Jordan, a vocalist who was celebrated for her scatting and lyric-improvising abilities, died Aug. 11 at her home…
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