James Gurley Dies at 69; Guitarist with Big Brother & The Holding Company
source: http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-james-gurley24-2009dec24
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- EthicalVegan
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He became the center of the psychedelic band's free-form style with his spellbinding finger-picking on the electric guitar. The group launched Janis Joplin to stardom.
http://www.relix.com/news/2009/12/24/big-brother-the-holding-company-guitarist-j...
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Mitch_McKendry
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James Gurley (My best friend and band mate) R.I.P.
Today I am heartbroken, a Father to my music and best friend for almost 30 years passed away from a heart attack Dec 20 a few days before his 70th birthday. His name was James Gurley known as "The Father of Psychedelic Guitar" he was Janis Joplin mate and lead guitarist in Big Brother and The Holding Co.
I first meet James in 1981 when I audition for his new band Red Robin and The Worms, a new wave punk mix original band. I wasn't really into that music but I went to the studio any ways when I heard James Gurley was looking for a lead guitarist , he wanted to play bass in this band, I passed the audition and I became the lead guitarist. James was so underrated, he was really a great musician , he received a lot of bad press from his playing days with BBHC from some critics and at the same time to others folks he was there God. When I meet James he was so far past what he had done, all he wanted to do was to be in the now, never the past , never wanted to play his old songs over and over in like a touring county fair band , he was fresh. James taught me so much about the music biz and music in general. The best thing about James and I ? we were best of friends for almost 30 years, we have lived together , liked the same foods , same stupid TV shows , politics, amp tubes, guitar cables ,lol, etc. Yes best friends, now we had are fall outs but always came back stronger . I knew he was good friends with Jimi Hendrix so I always tried to work my ass off on my guitar to make him happy , not easy, he was never happy, well not really, he just wanted me not to give up and get content, give my all and never get an ugly ego , James wasn't into that . James would stay all hours in his studio in Palm Desert Ca. so much that most of the music would not get out, always wanted it perfect.
James new music ? Oh so many different styles, nothing like Big Brother music, it was James Gurley, from Punk to Rasta to even some funny hillbilly cowboy songs etc., pure emotions and some added comedy, he was a very funny man.
In the Janis days James had his problem with the drink and drugs but when I met him in 1981 he was sober from drink and hard drugs , he stayed that way until the end. We were Rastafarian Buddhist , lol, that was our religion.
James died in a peaceful way with his beautiful wonderful wife Margaret Nelson Gurley by his side, James and Margaret had a wonderful marriage, one of the only marriages I looked up to, they had marriage perfected.
Oh I am going to miss James Gurley
I love you James , you know that , you took me in when I was 20 yrs old and I thank you .
RIP James Gurley ,
Peace from Thailand ,
Mitch Master .
PS My real name is Mitch McKendry James gave me the name Mitch Master in 1981.
- 2 years ago
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Mitch_McKendry
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cztheday
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Mitch_McKendry:
Mitch, you have my deepest sympathies. My "career" as a guitarist was short. A small garage band with a very good drummer, a very bad bass player, a barely adequate lead guitar player (me) and a truly gifted rhythm guitar player and singer...who sadly got so far into substance abuse that his promise was snuffed out when he was sent for an extended stay in the state penitentiary. We played perhaps 20 - 25 gigs in total. But on the few occasions when we got it right, it felt miraculous.
I can only imagine (with great envy) the kind of sounds and feelings you guys must have produced together and individually. Fellow travelers. What a wonderful story.
I nearly died myself a little over four years ago, though I am only 48. The best advice I can give you is that once we are gone we are gone forever. Allow yourself your grief but try not to give in to the obsession with it that some develop. Life is meant to be lived, and I am sure you know that he would have wanted you to see it that way. Rock on.
- 2 years ago
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cztheday
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EthicalVegan
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Mitch_McKendry:
Mitch, I am tremendously sorry for your personal loss of such a good friend.
What you had in your time with Mitch won't happen again, obviously, but as time helps you lose some of the "shock-pain" of today, you'll be able to go back and dwell on some really fine memories. I've lost many a musician-friend, and I just have to hold strong that there will come that day when I can re-live those good times, and perhaps even smile about them.
Cry... it's a way of honoring this good, talented man. James Gurley was appreciated by those of us who were able to realize his abilities.
My heart goes out to his wife, family, and other friends.
Be well.
- 2 years ago
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EthicalVegan
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artemis6
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Mitch_McKendry:
That is so sad . I am sorry for your loss . I am glad he was able to give so much to the world , to live so magnificently before his time was up , though . Please , take care of yourself ....
- 2 years ago
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artemis6
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John_Krausse
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Mitch_McKendry:
I'm 53 and have been playing the gitbox since '65. Lots of musicians have had their influence, but I remember this guy really putting a dent in my consciousness. What the %$#@ is that??? He pushed the envelope. That's what we appreciate. Now I listen to old cassettes of my jam band of 1980, the Terdmites, and I hear him in me. No doubt.
- 2 years ago
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John_Krausse
