The Dooley Blues traveled to the Star Plaza Theater in Merrillville, Indiana, to enjoy B.B. King's concert on Good Friday, March 25, 2005. Ms. Koko Taylor and Mr. Bobby Blue Band opened the show for BB!!! Beforehand, Chris Dooley, Homey Sims, Chris LaKatsos and Dan Dooley met at Buddy Guy's Legend to have a meat free Good Friday repast. Christina was kind enough to wait on us and Homey entertained the group with his descriptions of his favorite John Wayne movie, RED RIVER.
Koko Taylor was dressed elegantly and she ended her performance with, "WANG DANG DOODLE" which brought down the house! Bobby Blue Bland, was on top of his game, and he showed why he is a living legend of the Blues. Mr. B.B. King treated the audience as if we were in his home and he was playing after the meal. He was so gracious to every person who came up the aisle to photograph him and to the girls and women who brought him roses. B.B. said he was so thankful we showed up and that at 79 years young he appreciated our positive response to his playing that much more. What a great concert! B.B. must have mentioned his Mississippi roots 10 times during his performance, and it seemed he was looking at Homey Sims every time. Homey's smile would have no end and he would shout out confirmation to Mr. King. Homey has known B.B. since he was 16 years old down in Natchez, Mississippi. Homey and B.B. had mutual friends and he would be at the juke joints that the rail-thin B.B. would play.
Billy Branch was coming from backstage and was so happy to see Homey and Chris. The Dooley Blues had opened for Billy at Buddy Guy's Legends in February of 2003. If you ever have a chance to see Billy Branch perform, please, get on your horse or mule and gallop on over! His band has such a tight sound and Billy conveys so much energy to his audience. You'll be up for 3 nights straight! The Dooley Blues were surprised to be recognized by B.B.'s security people and were invited to visit with B.B. King. Shirley King, B.B.'s daughter, was there and all were happy to see her. Homey regaled B.B. King with names and events they shared from over 50 years ago! You can see in the photos, Mr. King's eyes searching back in his memory and replaying those happy, youthful days.
Chris Lekatsos ran out to his car and brought in his cherished 'Lucille' Gibson guitar. There were executives from Gibson present and they asked to hold and check out Chris's guitar and were amazed at how beautiful he kept it. B.B. was grateful for all the guitar players following in his footsteps and playing a "Lucille.'
It was a great honor for Christian Dooley to meet B.B. King again. Dooley thanked Mr. King for being an inspiration to him and told him he hoped some day to make him proud. There is a photo of that moment, B.B. broadly smiled and said,"Chris, that's what I like to hear!"
It becomes quite evident when you meet the Bluesmen who grew up in the Southern States of Mississippi and Louisiana, that they are generous and giving of their time and knowledge to the younger generations in the hopes of keeping the Blues Tradition alive. B.B. King and Homey Sims and Gene Marshall and Buddy Guy are living examples of this humble, loving generosity of spirit...the Real Tradition and Spirit of the Blues.