Noted blues guitarist Son Seals died yesterday (Dec. 20) in Chicago of complications from diabetes. He was 62.
Born Frank Seals in Osceola, Ark., he started his musical career by mastering the drums by his early teens, taking over guitar and leading his own band before reaching his 20s. Moving to Chicago in 1971, Seals played regular gigs on the city's South Side with such legendary artists as Junior Wells and Buddy Guy.
Seals made his recording debut in 1973 with the "The Son Seals Blues Band," released by Alligator Records, which in 2002 issued a career retrospective, "Deluxe Edition."
Among many honors, Seals was the winner of W.C. Handy Blues Awards in 1985, 1987 and 2001. He was nominated for a Grammy in 1980 for his participation in the live compilation "Blues Deluxe," recorded at the Chicagofest event with Muddy Waters, Koko Taylor and others.
Seals, who made his last public performance appearance in October in California, is survived by a sister and 14 children. At deadline, funeral arrangements had not yet been announced.
Born Frank Seals in Osceola, Ark., he started his musical career by mastering the drums by his early teens, taking over guitar and leading his own band before reaching his 20s. Moving to Chicago in 1971, Seals played regular gigs on the city's South Side with such legendary artists as Junior Wells and Buddy Guy.
Seals made his recording debut in 1973 with the "The Son Seals Blues Band," released by Alligator Records, which in 2002 issued a career retrospective, "Deluxe Edition."
Among many honors, Seals was the winner of W.C. Handy Blues Awards in 1985, 1987 and 2001. He was nominated for a Grammy in 1980 for his participation in the live compilation "Blues Deluxe," recorded at the Chicagofest event with Muddy Waters, Koko Taylor and others.
Seals, who made his last public performance appearance in October in California, is survived by a sister and 14 children. At deadline, funeral arrangements had not yet been announced.
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