The Conservative Cave
The Bar => The Lounge => Topic started by: Eagle Kammback on March 25, 2011, 11:29:09 PM
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Had my cousin Bennie's funeral today, I really wish I could have known him better.
He passed earlier this week, went in for cancer treatment, they sedated him and he never woke up.
We knew it was coming, but the optimist in me thought he would make it through, he survived the 60s and 70s, he was even in the Army from 69-75, though I don't think he ever deployed.
the stories everybody had told about him, they were great.
Several of his old band mates got up and told stories of when they played together, apparently even my dad played with him once, on accoustic, he doesn't know how to play, he just strummed open strings, but they were so loud you couldn't even hear him haha. One of his old band mates is a preacher, and the stories he was telling were great.
But what really brought me to tears was when his son got up and picked up his dad's old Telecaster and played "Little Wing" for him, like he said he wanted played at his funeral.
I remember when he used to give me lessons, would always bring that Telecaster over with his big tube amp,
He was even offered a chance to audition for Blood Sweat and Tears, but he decided to stick with the band he was with then.
He put out an album back in the early 70s called "Velvet Prince" a sealed copy is on eBay right now for $100, I think I'm gonna return the boots I just bought and buy that.
RIP Bennie
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Sorry about your Cousin.
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Welcome to the cave Eagle, please accept my heartfelt condolences.
I think the fact that your cousin as an accomplished musician who had an offer to join a big name act yet chose instead to remain with his Bros says an awful lot about the man's integrity and loyalty.
He was a guitarist (I've been playing since 1980) at the top of his game in the golden age of classic rock and had a shot at the big time but remained with those he loved and respected instead of going off alone and leaving them behind.
Those are rare qualities which certainly set him apart as being a solid individual to be looked up to.
Keeping my fingers crossed that you can score that heirloom album off of Ebay.
Again, sorry for your loss. Whenever I hear of these things it makes me reflect on all those I have lost over the years, which hurts, but I end up smiling for all they have imparted to me and I'm glad I had the privilege of knowing them. :)