I discovered Snooks way back in the sixties. I was a Blues nut and used to hunt through all the second-hand record shops looking for rare blues albums. I discovered this Folkways album with its thick cardboard cover. It was called Snooks Eaglin – New Orleans Street Singer.
It wasn’t quite the Blues album I thought it was. Snooks was not really a Blues singer. Neither was he a Folk singer.
I was unfamiliar with New Orleans music at the time – even though I’d heard a bit of Swamp Blues (Slim Harpo and Lazy Lester) and things like Huey ‘Piano’ Smith and Frankie Ford. I later got into the special hybrid vibe of New Orleans. Loved it.
But Snooks was always special. I love his melodic songs and warm voice. He’s so gentle and special.
So today I’m going to be playing Snooks real loud while I do a spot of decorating!