Jun 3, 2025 11:25 AM
In Memoriam: Al Foster, 1943–2025
Al Foster, a drummer regarded for his fluency across the bebop, post-bop and funk/fusion lineages of jazz, died May 28…
Eddie C. Campbell (1939–2018)
(Photo: Eddie C. Campbell Facebook page)Eddie C. Campbell, a blues vocalist and guitarist who toured the world, died Nov. 20 at his home in Oak Park, Illinois, according to a Facebook post from his manager, Barbara Mayson. He was 79 and had suffered from heart problems.
Campbell, who was revered among fans of Chicago blues—particularly the style known as West Side blues—performed with many icons and was a successful bandleader.
The opening track on his debut album, 1977’s King Of The Jungle, was his composition “Santa’s Messin’ With The Kid,” which would later be covered by rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. Musicians on Campbell’s original version included harmonica player Carey Bell and bassist Lurrie Bell.
Other leader albums in Campbell’s discography include Let’s Pick It! (1984), Mind Trouble (1988), That’s When I Know (1994) and Gonna Be Alright (1999). Later he recorded two albums for Chicago label Delmark Records: Tear This World Up (2009) and Spider Eating Preacher (2012). The latter was nominated for a Blues Music Award in the category Traditional Blues Album.
Campbell was born on May 6, 1939, in Duncan, Mississippi, and as a child moved to Chicago with his family. His mother knew Muddy Waters and arranged for her young son, a prodigy, to sit in with the blues legend’s band.
Campbell also performed with Luther Allison, Little Walter, Howlin’ Wolf, Willie Dixon and Koko Taylor. He served as a bandleader for Jimmy Reed.
Campbell relocated to Europe in the 1980s but returned to the States in 1992. In 2013, he suffered a heart attack and stroke, a devastating health event that permanently derailed his career.
Mayson’s Facebook post announcing Campbell’s death generated comments from around the world, including musicians based in Texas, Argentina and The Netherlands who had collaborated with him. DB
Foster was truly a drummer to the stars, including Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins and Joe Henderson.
Jun 3, 2025 11:25 AM
Al Foster, a drummer regarded for his fluency across the bebop, post-bop and funk/fusion lineages of jazz, died May 28…
“Branford’s playing has steadily improved,” says younger brother Wynton Marsalis. “He’s just gotten more and more serious.”
May 20, 2025 11:58 AM
Branford Marsalis was on the road again. Coffee cup in hand, the saxophonist — sporting a gray hoodie and a look of…
“What did I want more of when I was this age?” Sasha Berliner asks when she’s in her teaching mode.
May 13, 2025 12:39 PM
Part of the jazz vibraphone conversation since her late teens, Sasha Berliner has long come across as a fully formed…
Roscoe Mitchell will receive a Lifetime Achievement award at this year’s Vision Festival.
May 27, 2025 6:21 PM
Arts for Art has announced the full lineup for the 2025 Vision Festival, which will run June 2–7 at Roulette…
Benny Benack III and his quartet took the Midwest Jazz Collective’s route for a test run this spring.
Jun 3, 2025 10:31 AM
The time and labor required to tour is, for many musicians, daunting at best and prohibitive at worst. It’s hardly…
