Living Legend
“Living Legend,” a term known to carry on a person’s contribution to the world through time, but it is so much more. Eddie Bowles, similar to Sleepy John Estes, is considered to be a living legend because he came to fame later in life through being rediscovered as a bluesman.
I get along with anyone that gets along with people
In the 1970s and 1980s— when Eddie was in his 80s and 90s—, he still regularly played guitar, and his unique story struck a chord with many interviewers and musicians. His guitar playing skills never adapted with the changing styles of music in New Orleans. Bowles was notorious for his smooth, unique style of guitar playing that never stammered. In his later years, Bowles considered himself to be a “songster” because of his time away from music and his ability to pick up right where he left off.
Bowles continued to live a modest life in his later years through playing at nursing homes in the area and mentoring local musicians and students. Jimmy Price, a songwriter and musician student from Chicago, said, “I’m really proud just to know him.” Even children in Eddie’s neighborhood noticed the kindhearted man and looked forward to meeting him on the streets just as much as he loved seeing them. His influence is far wider than just the Cedar Valley area. He was even broadcasted several times on Iowa Public Radio shows where he was portrayed in a time capsule quality. In a radio broadcast conducted on July 15, 1981, Rush Cleveland described Bowles as, “...one of the greatest living exponents of the guitar.”
Phil Nusbaum highlighted Bowles when he was 96 years-old in an interview conducted where he describes him to be a “Living Legend” because of his “...wisdom and remembrance.” On April 10, 1984, Bowles turned 100 years old, but his age did not show, for he could be seen sharing fond memories with party guests and admirers of his music. People from all over the area came to meet the legend of guitar picking. Although Eddie turned 100, many guests including Connie Webster described Bowles in a way that gave them life. He always made sure the people around him felt cared for. Eddie ‘Pickin’ Bowles passed away later that year in October, but his memory still lives on.
