Lived And Performed With Muddy Waters On The South Side
“Blues legend Paul Oscher, has had a run of bad luck, health-wise,” his GoFundMe page says.
Editor’s Note, December 2019: See updated GoFundMe information in the comments.)
“He has been in the hospital for greater part of last month with bilateral (double) pneumonia and pleurisy. He was moved on July 4th to a rehab facility to help him get his strength back and also strengthen his lungs. Paul has also been plagued with several other major medical conditions and diseases that have been challenging for him over the past several years. He is also suffering from myelofibrosis (a form of bone marrow cancer), diabetes, fascicular cramp syndrome, peripheral neuropathy in both feet and hands, and COPD. He is a mess.
“Paul is best known for his stint as harmonica player for the great Muddy Waters from the the late ’60s to the early ’70s. He was the first white musician to play in Muddy’s band and even lived in Muddy’s house on Chicago’s South Side. Paul mastered the guitar by watching his boss, Muddy play and the piano by watching the great Otis Spann, who shared the basement with Paul in Muddy’s house. Paul has played with and/or recorded with many major blues artists, such as T-Bone Walker, Otis Spann, John Lee Hooker, Buddy Guy, Johnny Young, Johnny CopeIand, Big Joe Turner, Louisiana Red, Big Mama Thornton, Victoria Spivey and many more.”
Check out this cool little documentary. You won’t be sorry.
“Paul is the real deal. He is a real bluesman who can take you on a trip back to the time when the blues could feed your soul and make you whole. Paul has a long recovery ahead of him, but is very anxious to get back to the stage, performing the blues he learned from Muddy and other bluesmen of that day.”
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PaulOscher.com.
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From Modern Blues Harmonica: Please Help Paul Oscher.
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Comments welcome.
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1. From Lucy Frost:
Hi! Paul’s GoFundMe has changed to this one – The first one timed out or something, and he doesn’t have a way to contact the people who donated. Please help spread the word!
He’s working on his book. People that contribute get excerpts. His health has stabilized, but his myelofibrosis condition is very serious not going away.
Posted on July 10, 2019