Incurable Blues

Incurable Blues explores the life and genius of Hubert Sumlin, a highly influential guitarist who has survived cancer, alcoholism, and personal and professional tribulations to testify to the classic days of Chicago blues. Sumlin’s incendiary guitar playing is heard on most of Howlin’ Wolf’s classic Chess sides. Sumlin’s pick-less playing has inspired countless blues-rock luminaries. Author Will Romano places Hubert’s playing and performing style in context, showing how it formed the basis of blues rock and rock n roll and how it bridges the gap between African folk; the work of early masters like Robert Johnson, Charley Patton and Peetie Wheatstraw; the revisionist British invasion guitarists Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Keith Richards; and the modern-era blues styles of Stevie Ray Vaughan and John Mayer.

Author Biography

Will Romano is the author of seven books, including Close to the Edge: How Yes’s Masterpiece Defined Prog Rock, the critically acclaimed Mountains Come Out of the Sky (with a foreword by iconic drummer Bill Bruford), and the award finalist Big Boss Man: The Life and Music of Bluesman Jimmy Reed. Romano’s work has appeared in a variety of publications, such as New York Post, NY Daily News, American Way, Guitar Player, Modern Drummer, Sound on Sound, VH1.com, and others. He spent most of his life in New York and recently moved to Rockford, IL.