Toot Blues

In the late 1980s, Timothy Duffy, a penniless North Carolina musicology student, set out to document and preserve traditional southern roots and blues music.  On his travels from Winston-Salem's drinkhouse music scene, an off-the-grid hotbed of gritty traditional blues, to deep-south family run churches, he found purpose and inspiration from a cast of amazingly talented, pure and unique set of characters (the artists!!). 
Toot Blues remarkably captures the true essence and talent of the artists from Guitar Gabriel, a 'homeless magic potion selling' blues genius; to Willa Mae Buckner, a snake charming elderly woman taunting delightfully raunchy blues; to Beverly 'Guitar' Watkins, a grandmother who continues to tear up the stage and play a killer electric guitar behind her head; to Bishop Dready Manning and family churning out homebrewed rockabilly-gospel; to Boo Hanks, an 80 year-old bluesman recording an album for the very first time; to blind guitarist, Cootie Stark, mesmerizing crowds world-wide while never failing to find his way home by himself.
Shortly after befriending and championing for these artists Tim quickly realized the limitations set upon them by living in poverty, not only in their struggles to survive and support their families but also their ability to afford time and outlets to continue with their deepest passions-music, by a simple twist of fate, Tim along with his wife Denise, began the Music Maker Relief Foundation.
With rare footage, interviews, and numerous live performances, the film documents these unique musicians, brought together through the Music Maker community and their shared and vital musical heritage.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Willa Mae Buckner
• Beverly Guitar Watson
• Bishop Bready Manning
• Boo Hanks

[Desdelaperiferia]

I would like to have a grand mother like Beverly "Guitar" Watkins.... :) now she is an inspiration to me.......Regards from Chile.........

[Omarateastwind]

Great documentary! Keep the blues alive!!

[mo28mabini]

such a feel good story. kudos.

[musicmakerfoundation]

Just checked all these wonderful comments. Thanks so much for watching the film.

Tim Duffy

[Pigeon55]

We must be close to the ceiling in the Technology stakes, but 1 man/woman & a Guitar takes some beating.

[Dovey]

My Gosh...This is absolutely beautiful... thoroughly enjoyed being steeped in these BLUES ... great documentary! Thanks so much!

[The777BLUES]

EXELENT VIDEO¡¡¡¡

[jacksondemarre]

I still play deep Country Blues...

[SmileyGarrish]

very sad to think what has been lost in America, and what the 'music corporations' are creating as a 'culture' - one known worldwide as one of blind narcissists, Disney clones, talentless sluts, etc etc

[katharineanne46]

You have blessed me, as well as all these artists.... thank you!!!