The Iceman, Master of the Telecaster, or just my friend, Mr.Collins. The You-Tube links are wonderful and his recorded work is spectacular. But to see him play live was overwhelming. Just being around him was incredible. He teased me about playing my Fender bass with a pick and I teased him about playing without one. He was very kind to a suburban white boy and his band who were trying to play the blues. He encouraged us and taught us many things to improve what we were trying to do. When I did stand-up comedy, I heard him in the audience with that distinctive laugh. After the show he told me that I wasn't funny at all. I told him that I could hear him not laughing, but couldn't see where he was. Then I told him that I thought that he couldn't play at all. He laughed really hard and I suggested that if I'm not funny , you shouldn't laugh.We talked about doing a Las Vegas review together, but sadly, he fell ill. If I didn't know and love him, I would still love his music. I was driving home from work, late on Wednesday, listening to "I'm Not Drunk" in my car and I felt that he was there. I usually called him 'Mr. Collins" out of respect and because everyone else would use one of his nicknames. He always called me "Madness" because he didn't remember my name and he thought it fit. Seeing his name listed as the greatest guitarist pleases me and while I can't be unbiased, he was the best guitarist I have ever been around. If you haven't listened to his work, please do.

The self-proclaimed "Master of the Telecaster" was a feature of the Chicago Blues scene for years, and played a highly electronic "fat" blues style that is instantly recognizable by any blues fan.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cz6LbWWqX-g&feature=related