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Hubert Sumlin Obituary
SUMLIN
Hubert, age 80, of Totowa at rest in Wayne on December 4, 2011. Born in Greenwood, Mississippi, he lived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for most of his life before moving to Totowa, NJ 10 years ago. Mr. Sumlin was a Legendary Guitar Player who played for Howlin' Wolf for 25 years. He was a 5 Time Grammy Award Nominee and was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2008. Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Jimi Hendrix have all cited him as a major influence in their careers. Rolling Stone Magazine ranked him #43 of the Top 100 Guitarists of All Time. He won multiple Blues Music Awards. A Memorial Concert in his honor is being planned. Beloved husband of the late Willie Bea (nee Reed) Sumlin. Dear son of the late John and Claudia (nee Claybrooks) Sumlin. He is survived by his manager, Toni Ann Mamary of Totowa. Brother of Maggie Watkins of Tennessee and Irene Austin of California. Uncle of Charlene Higgins of Michigan, James Wilkins of California and Georgia Johnson of Tennessee. Lifetime friend of Jeff Dagenhardt of Wisconsin, Sam Burkhardt of Illinois, and Legendary Musician, James Cotton of Texas. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the services at the Festa Memorial Funeral Home, 111 Union Blvd, Totowa, on Monday at 10 AM. He will be interred with his wife in Illinois at a later date. Visitation will be Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Blues Foundation H.A.R.T. Fund (www.blues.org) would be appreciated. For more information, go to
www.festamemorial.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Hubert Sumlin
Michael Palmer
December 4, 2014
Hubert Sumlin is right at the top of the list of blues legends. Such an amazing guitarist, but still a humble and unassuming man. R.I.P. Hubert, and thanx for all the great music you left us with.
Dan
December 4, 2013
Thank you Hubert. Thanks for all of it. I was pleased and privileged to meet and spend a couple of hours with you back in the mid '80's. We enjoyed each others company and to this day I remain impressed with what a down to earth,unassuming man you were. You made an indelible mark in American music without a doubt. When Wolf saw and heard you way back when, he knew you were something special and who can question that? Rest in Peace
Charles Parker
December 20, 2011
What a talent! Never had the honor to meet the man but I was inspired by his art. May he RIP.
jerry galasso
December 20, 2011
had the pleasure of meeting mr sumlin at bb kings new york.watched this classy talented true gentleman from backstage.after the show he thanked me for being there.beyond cool.you will be missed sir.godbless and godspeed.jerry dteroit
carlos guitarlos
December 14, 2011
a bluesman,right in the song,for a lifetime..... at antones in 1988 i was introduced to mr. sumlin by guitarist bill campbell,what an thrill. carlos guitarlos los angeles,ca.
Hubert Sumlin Blues Trail Marker dedication Greenwood MS
Richard Ramsey
December 14, 2011
Hubert, your legacy will live forever....I am proud to have been able to call you my friend. Your shining, humble, heart has touched so many. Godspeed my brother.
Sharonda Mosley
December 12, 2011
Rest In Heaven Great uncle Hubert! Love the entire Sumlin and Mosley family!
Jay K. Wilm
December 12, 2011
Thanks for the beautiful memories Brother Hubert. Heaven is smiling. Peace..
December 12, 2011
Thanks for your passionate blues over the years bro. You were one of the greats and we'll miss you. RIP.
Deb Grasso
December 10, 2011
The world has lost an amazing man. May his music play on for generations to come and may it bring the same joy it brought to me. RIP Mr Sumlin.
December 9, 2011
Ed and I will never forget the weekend you spent at our house in St. Paul and how you put the whole can of Draino down the bathtub. You were so concerned how slow the water was running. You will always be in our thoughts and prayers. Thanks for being so kind to Grama. She loved you just like we do. Rest in peace my friend. I know how much you meant to Curt and how you took him under your wing when he first came to Chicago. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Godspeed Barb Obeda
Sharon Messier
December 8, 2011
Rest in peace Hubert.
December 8, 2011
See you on the other side Hubert. Thanks for all the memories and hangin out by my store. Will never forget ya bro. love ya. Godspeed Mr. Sumlin.
eddie the lock
Steve Freund
December 8, 2011
Hubert was the first person I met when arriving in Chicago in 1976, and he was the most gracious and inspiring man I have known. For someone so gifted, he was truly humble. Hubert was a unique artist and a unique human being, and he will be missed by everyone who ever came in contact with him.
Alex and Sharon Messier
December 8, 2011
Sweet Hubert. Words cannot express all we feel in our hearts. Will cherish moments spent with you.
Bettye, Barbra & Family
December 8, 2011
Hubert, I know our parents Chester & Lillie Burnett aka Mr. & Mrs, Howlin' Wolf, greeted you with love and happiness when you arrived in Heaven Sunday morning. We love and miss you. You have been a part of our family (brother) for as long as we can remember. We know you are at peace now. Love you always!!!
"Our candle for you will glow forever,,,"
HOWLIN' WOLF FAMILY (Bettye, Barbra & Family)
Rochelle Rivera
December 8, 2011
Such a sweet, sweet man! Your contagious smile will forever be etched in my mind and heart. Sweet Dreams Mrs. Sumlin. RIP. xo
Daniel Honan
December 8, 2011
I have spent a little time with Hubert Sumlin, He was a wonderful gentle man. R.I.P Mr. Sumlin.
Daniel Honan
Pete Ragusa
December 8, 2011
Hubert you're "Sittin' On Top Of The World"
December 8, 2011
One of the greatest Blues guitarists of all time.He will be missed.Michael Brady,N.J.
Shor'ty Billups
December 8, 2011
My Prayers goes out to your Family! You will be missed. I'm glad we met.
Niels
December 8, 2011
Heaven done called another Blues-stringer back Home! We love you Hubert!!
Ms Marci Chevian-Hooper
December 7, 2011
I had the pleasure of meeting Hubert and sitting in with him a few times. He was a sweet guy AND a bit of a rascal. When God made him, that mold must have been so hot that he dropped it and it broke. Ain't been another like him since. R.I.P. Hubert!
Gai Bennett
December 7, 2011
Rest in Peace, Mr. Hubert. You were a wicked picker and a hoot to boot.
Joe Radosti
December 7, 2011
Sad to see you go so soon, your music speaks for itself, I hope your in a better place, God Bless Ya. Keep on Rockin'.
Shirley Lewis
December 7, 2011
You will be missed. I will always remember the respect you always gave to me on many shows during the 90;s. Especdially when you appeareed at the MT Wachussetts blues festival. Yes we will miss you.
Shirley lewis, Regal Queen of the Blues.
John Ruffo
December 7, 2011
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
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