Chicago Blues Guitarist Chico Banks, R.I.P.

The Blues Foundation, among other sources, is reporting the December 2nd, 2008 death of Chicago blues guitarist Vernon "Chico" Banks at the too-young age of 47 years. Part of a new generation of young bluesmen, Banks was a talented guitarist that mixed traditional blues with strains of rock, soul, and funk music.

The son of noted gospel guitarist Jesse Banks of the Mighty Clouds of Joy, Banks recorded or performed with folks like Little Milton, Buddy Guy, Otis Clay, Willie Kent, James Cotton, and Mavis and Pops Staples, among many others. Banks released his debut album, Candy Lickin' Man, in 1997 and according to his MySpace page, was working on a new album prior to his death. A popular Chicago-area performer with an international following, Banks' dynamic on-stage presence will be missed by his fans.

Photo courtesy Price Grabber