Sadly, we have to report on the passing of blues harpist Pat Ramsey, who died on Monday, November 17th, 2008 after a lengthy illness. Best known for his work on Johnny Winter's critically-acclaimed 1978 album White Hot & Blue, Ramsey was a veteran of over 30 years in the trenches.
A Louisiana native, Ramsey found himself in Denver in the early-1970s, playing with the Bunny Brooks Band. Even then a skilled harp blaster, Ramsey came to the attention of guitarist/Johnny Winter band member Rick Derringer, who recommended the young harmonica player to Winter. Ramsey later relocated to Florida to join Allman Brothers Band member Butch Trucks as part of his late-1970s band Trucks.
The Fondly-Remembered Crosscut Saw
When Trucks returned to the reformed Allman Brothers Band, Ramsey joined the fondly-remembered 1980s-era blues-rock band Crosscut Saw. As frontman and harp player for Crosscut Saw, Ramsey opened for artists like B.B. King, the Nighthawks and, of course, Johnny Winter, touring the length of the east coast.
Crosscut Saw recorded a single album, Mad, Bad and Dangerous To Know for a Florida indie label, which was later reissued by the Italian rock label Akarma. After five years the band called it quits when young blues guitar prodigy Julian Kasper left to attend graduate school.
The Poulos-Ramsey Band
During the late-1980s and throughout the '90s, Ramsey kicked around with a number of well-received bands, including the Poulos-Ramsey Band that he formed with former Freddie King guitarist Greg Poulos. The Poulos-Ramsey Band made a name for itself from Sarasota to Memphis, opening for artists like Charlie Musselwhite and James Cotton.
Pat Ramsey & the Blues Disciples
In the early-1990s, Ramsey recorded his first solo CD, It's About Time, with Kasper, and would later form Pat Ramsey & the Blues Disciples with guitarist Dave Renson and drummer Steve Howell. The Blues Disciples became the Sunshine State's favorite sons, and the band kept busy playing the club circuit, entertaining fans at festivals, and releasing two live albums.
Although he wasn't well-known and flew under the radar for much of his career, Pat Ramsey is beloved by a legion of blues and rock fans across the Southeast U.S. A hard-working and talented musician, Ramsey personified the spirit of the blues, and he will be missed by many.
(Thanks to reader Sammy Collins for the heads up on this story, and Walter Potter for further information...thanks, guys!)
