Search by Name

Search by Name

David "Honey Boy" Edwards

David Edwards Obituary

CHICAGO (AP) — Grammy-winning Blues musician David "Honey Boy" Edwards, believed to be the oldest surviving Delta bluesman and whose roots stretched back to blues legend Robert Johnson, died early Monday in his Chicago home, his manager said. He was 96.

Edwards had a weak heart and his health seriously declined in May, when the guitarist had to cancel concerts scheduled through November, said his longtime manager, Michael Frank of Earwig Music Company.

Born in 1915 in Shaw, Miss., Edwards learned the guitar growing up and started playing professionally at age 17 in Memphis.

He came to Chicago in the 1940s and played on Maxwell Street, small clubs and street corners. By the 1950s Edwards had played with almost every bluesman of note — including Howlin' Wolf, Little Walter, Charlie Patton and Muddy Waters. Among Edwards' hit songs were "Long Tall Woman Blues," "Gamblin Man" and "Just Like Jesse James." Edwards played his last shows in April at the Juke Joint Festival in Clarksdale, Miss., Frank said. "Blues ain't never going anywhere," Edwards told The Associated Press in 2008. "It can get slow, but it ain't going nowhere. You play a lowdown dirty shame slow and lonesome, my mama dead, my papa across the sea I ain't dead but I'm just supposed to be blues. You can take that same blues, make it uptempo, a shuffle blues, that's what rock 'n' roll did with it. So blues ain't going nowhere. Ain't goin' nowhere."

Edwards won a 2008 Grammy for traditional blues album and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement award in 2010. His death represents the loss of the last direct link to the first generation of Mississippi blues musicians, Frank said.

"That piece of the history from that generation, people have to read about it from now on," Frank said. "They won't be able to experience the way the early guys played it, except from somebody who's learned it off of a record."

Edwards was known for being an oral historian of the music genre and would tell biographical stories between songs at his shows, Frank said. He was recorded for the Library of Congress in Clarksdale, Miss., in 1942.

"He had photographic memory of every fine detail of his entire life," Frank said. "All the way up until he died. He had so much history that so many other musicians didn't have and he was able to tell it."

Edwards gathered those stories in the 1997 book "The World Don't Owe Me Nothing: The Life and Times of Delta Bluesman Honeyboy Edwards." He wrote in the book that his father bought a guitar for $8 from a sharecropper and Edwards learned to play in 1929.

"I watched my daddy play that guitar, and whenever I could I would pick it up and strum on it," Edwards wrote.

Edwards was known for his far-ranging travels and played internationally. In his 90s, he was still playing about 70 shows a year. Edwards would visit with the audience after every show, taking pictures, signing autographs and talking with fans, Frank said.

Edwards earned his nickname "Honey Boy" from his sister, who told his mother to "look at honey boy" when Edwards stumbled as he learned to walk as a toddler. He is survived by his daughter Betty Washington and stepdaughter Dolly McGinister.

"He had his own unique style," Frank said. "But it was a 75-year-old style and it was a synthesis of the people before him and in his time."


Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Aug. 29, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for David Edwards

Not sure what to say?





154 Entries

Hank

July 2, 2017

He was a fine up standing gentleman that enjoyed putting a smile on the faces of others. even though we had different thoughts of personnel interest we always could laugh. the very first guitar I ever had was from him. And I still have it as of today and will pass it to my grand children, I've had it 45 years

Silvio Wrnghoefer

July 16, 2016

He was one of my favorite musicians of all time. he was one the reasons i picked up the guitar myself and kept playing the blues since this day. RIP Honeyboy

Nazarene Mckinney

June 29, 2013

Thank you for the wonderful music and the rich heritage of blues you left to all of us. Jesus Christ loves of all as we should love one another.

September 30, 2011

My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family.

May GOD continue to guide your family by means of His holy spirit to give you strength and comfort during this time of sorrow.

D. Clark

Paula Griffin

September 20, 2011

How ironic I read his biography a few years ago and was so touched by it I became a big fan. I was born and raised in Chicago in 1961 and later married a man from Batesville MS who also is a blues fan. My husband had literacy issues but used his book to help improve his reading. He was so....touched by the book and Honey Boy's life. Thanks to him and his family for the music, his story, and his legacy. May he RIP good and faithful BLUESMAN!

G. Willis

September 18, 2011

To my family by kinship. My dad's mother, Edna Edwards Willis, was born in 1908 was your cousin. Your family is also fr Iuka, & Itta Bena MS. I will cont'd to keep the legacy of our families alive.

Beth

September 7, 2011

My deepest condolences to the Edwards family. May the words found at Job14:13-15 bring you comfort.

Jones Family

September 7, 2011

Our sincere sympathy to the Edwards family. As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. 2 Cor. 1:3,4

Paul Perry

September 7, 2011

What a great job while here with us on this planet we call earth. Now it's time for the heavens to hear the great tunes. Rest easy my friend, and remember me, so when my time comes I may join the band and be your drummer, or at least try out for the job.
Break a leg,,God bless.

Renee Horton

September 6, 2011

Another great going to play for his Maker. Your music will be missed thank you for the memories.

Kelly Crenshaw

September 6, 2011

I can see "Honeyboy" and "Little Laura" Duke one a strumin and the others foot taping and singing. We have been blessed to have lived and enjoyed your era through your memories and stoies. Thanks so much for you sharing.

You not only taught what the cross roads were about but lived them. Blessed are yea that are in the arms of our lord.

Theresa Campbell

September 5, 2011

May the peace of God that excels all thought give you peace during this time of sorrow.

Pearl Lopez Delgado

September 5, 2011

All
Our thoughts
go out to David
Edwards Family'
Long live the years
of songs with some Blues
Forever a Legend!
thank,you for bringing
such a excellent Performer
to the Stages of Our American
Talent
For those of many who
have Enjoyed this amazing
Music from a great Blues man
~HONEYBOY~ rip GodBless you

bob poole

September 5, 2011

Thank you & God Bless You, Mr.Honey Boy for all you gave us...prayers and thoughts to your family...save me a place up there,i'll look you up one day,gots some things i need you to show me.tell everybody up there mr.bob say howdy.

steve

September 5, 2011

"Honey Boy" is now playing among the clouds.

M. TERRY

September 4, 2011

RIP HONEY BOY EDWARDS. A great era of the blues has gone. The heavenly father is now enjoying the delta blues. So many of the younger generation wil never know or heard the real blues. GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS AT THIS SAD TIME. MR DAVID HONEY BOY EDWARDS WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

Floyd "E note" Green

September 4, 2011

May Mr David"Honeyboy"Edwards rest in peace. My condolence to the family and closest friends. I thank God for allowing us the opportunity to hear the stories of history sung and played for us by a great musician who happen to be a bluesman.

Diana

September 3, 2011

May the God of comfort and tender mercies comfort your family doing this time of sorrow. 2 Cor. 1:3

September 3, 2011

May David music live on in your hearts.Mr Honeyboy had what God's word call a special mightiness.May the loving memories he left behind be remember for a life time.Psalms90:10.

Bill Stanley

September 2, 2011

Honey Boy Edwards was indeed the last living link to the ol' Delta Blues men. His kind will never be seen or heard again.

September 2, 2011

An era in American Music has closed with Mr Edwards passing... Long live the blues...

Marian van den Berg

September 2, 2011

Irreplaceable. Blues will never be the same now that the last of the greats has passed. Still there, but not the same.

Mark Schierbecker

September 2, 2011

Rest in peace Honeyboy - thank you for your contribution to the blues and for sharing your history with us. Your music and legacy will live on forever. Whenever someone picks up a guitar and starts to sing the blues you will be there,

veronica borgeman

September 2, 2011

Thank you, thank you, Thank YOU! Mr. Honey you will always be remembered for the love of where you came from and who you are; in your music....
What a beautiful angel of honesty and truth for us all to honor...now forever!


veronica borgeman
garden valley, id.

Craig Lang

September 2, 2011

I had the distinct pleasure and honor of seeing and chatting with Honeyboy on several times. His legacy and his music will live on forever. RIP Honeyboy

Geneie

September 2, 2011

The world of music owes him a debt of graditude.His music was influential in so many genres.From The Rolling Stones to the great sounds of New Orleans.Thanks for sharing your talent with us.Adios my friend.

Shein Die

September 2, 2011

I met Honey in April at the Juke Joint Festival - chatted, interviewed, enjoyed his music and his stories ... we've lost such a wonderful man, musician, storyteller, historian ... R.I.P. - Shein

Victoria Valdez

September 1, 2011

Spirits never leave'
Our condolences to
"DAVID"Honey Boy Edwards

Mike

September 1, 2011

Got the honor of seeing Honeyboy in Davenport a few years ago. We have lost one of the greats

September 1, 2011

We thank GOD for such a great musican Bluesman as Mr. Edwards rest in peace Thanks to his daughter for her love and care for her father.
Mary, in Va.

Julie Kilzer

September 1, 2011

Rest in Peace Honeyboy. Thank you for the gift of your music.

Laura Dencer

September 1, 2011

I am honored to have been able to hear this wonderful musician perform in many Blues festivals in Chicago...RIP, Mr. Blues..

Mary Ann Wallace-Kelly

September 1, 2011

To the Family:

My sympathy goes out to you in this time of sorrow. May the Eternal Light forever shine upon Mr. David "Honey Boy" Edward SOUL.

jim willner

September 1, 2011

May the eternal light shine upon him...

Donna Houck

September 1, 2011

We only met for a breif time but you will be remebered always for your love of the music. You kept the blues alive. We will keep you in our prayers

September 1, 2011

"My heartfelt condolences to the Edwards family. May our Heavenly Father the God of comfort and tender mercies be with you all. (2Cor1:3,4) ~ Gail, Al.

JOSEPH & LEZERIA MARSH

September 1, 2011

YOU AND YOUR MUSIC WILL ALWAYS HAVE A PLACE IN OUR HEARTS.WE WILL CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR THE FAMILY.

Kevin O'Callaghan

September 1, 2011

Rest in Peace Honey. I was fortunate enough to have seen him perform and sit and talk to David about his book & life. The world owes Michael Frank thanks for helping spread David's music; what a pair they were & and always will be. RIP and thanks Honey & Michael again.....

September 1, 2011

Rest in peace honey boy. You will be missed. Red Grady (Trenton, N.J.)

Shirley griffin

September 1, 2011

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Terri Terzini-Minichillo

September 1, 2011

Rest in Peace Brother, you gave so much to our world. Music!

V.H

September 1, 2011

Dear Edwards family,
Mr. Honey Boy and his music will be greatly missed. May God keep him in his remembrance so he can shower us with his music again. Malachi 3:16.

Thomas Davis

September 1, 2011

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Dan Slack

September 1, 2011

Rest in Peace my friend. Many thanks for being a fine roll model for so many of our younger folks. You inspired them and taught them dedication to their dreams. I sure hope yours came true. God Bless!

patricia

September 1, 2011

My condolences to the family of David "honeyboy"Edwards. May God our father and Jesus Christ our Lord show you His kindness and mercy and give you great peace of heart and mine. 1 Timothy 1:2

Donnie Corbett

September 1, 2011

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Jay Walsh

August 31, 2011

My condolences to the Edwards family. It was exciting to hear Mr. Edwards' music - the source and inspiration of what we listened to in high school in 1950's!

Jay Walsh, age 72

J L

August 31, 2011

My condolences to the Edwards family. i enjoyed reading about how he started. most Blues singers from that generation is no longer with us. he will be missed by every one who life that he touched. may the God of all comfort give your family the strength to endure.

Laddie Durham

August 31, 2011

Rest in Peace. I thank God, and Michael Frank for bringing you to all of us on Cape Cod. To a blues man. A ledgend that will live in our hearts forever. LADDIE FROM HARRY'S

Renagade

August 31, 2011

Go With God, Honey Boy. Rest In Peace. You will be greatly missed but left a great legacy

Maria Grady

August 31, 2011

To The Family Of The Late Mr. David (honey Boy ) Edwards God Gave U A Legend To Share With The World He Is Absent From The Body And Present With The LORD , His Labor Here Was Completed , I Can't Wait To Purchase His Book . Keep His Memories Alive

August 31, 2011

rest in peace honey boy!

Annette Cummings

August 31, 2011

I always love hearing about good people like Edwards. may god be with him, and bless him, which i know he will, may god bless his daughters and family, also i express my condolence to yours with love keep the faith.

Henrietta McCall

August 31, 2011

Thank you for your music.
God blessed you with a talent that you shared with the world. We cherish your gift.

Jan Kendall Mayes

August 31, 2011

Thank you for your music!

Glenda Griffith

August 31, 2011

He truly "gave birth to the blues"..Rest in peace, sweet man

Barbara McCutcheon

August 31, 2011

Honey Boy what a true legend you were who will live on forever. God blessed you in life as he will in eternity. Barb McCutcheon(Longview TX)

Terri & Mike Patillo

August 31, 2011

Our hearts are broken. Heaven has a new Bluesman to make sweet sounds for the Good Lord.
May God Bless and Keep his family and comfort them in their time of loss.

Aymee Zimmerman

August 31, 2011

Michael - my heart is with you. Honeyboy was Blessed by you and you by him... A Heart of Gold and a Soul so Deep you could swim in it... He was the BIGGEST SWEETHEART any person could ever know ! God rest your soul now, Mr. Edwards… You were and are THE Legend, and your music will live on forever. I was honoured to be able to know you - even briefly, and share a dance with you. I was happy to get to see you one last time earlier this year… What an honor it was to be in your presence. Amazing is not enough !
Be at peace and sleep well… until we meet again.
With all my love and heart,
*PEACE*
Your Friend,
Aymee
Illinois

Dannie Dozier

August 31, 2011

R.I.P.-Thanks for your great work.

JULIE ROSARIO

August 31, 2011

HONEY BOY YOU WENT HOME TO THE LORD. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. GREAT JOB. GOD BLESS YOU.

Chas Bryant

August 31, 2011

FAREWELL & THANK YOU, for an art, for the history and for sharing the gift GOD gave to you. REST, knowing you did good.

August 31, 2011

I am sorry for your loss. I hope the best for your family and I think of the scripture at Act 17:31 will comfort you in this time of need

R Bell

August 31, 2011

We hope that the God of Comfort Jehovah will be with you the Family and Blues Lovers who will truly miss this gifted artist.

August 31, 2011

I'm from Louisville, Mississippi and I LOVE the BLUES, and HONEY BOY will be miss!!! TRUELY A LEGEND!!

August 31, 2011

RIP

August 31, 2011

Thank God I had the opportunity to hear Honeyboy perform and the great honor to have spoken to him at Chicago Bluesfests in recent years. His razor sharp recall of events that occured 70-80 years ago was astounding! He was loved and will be missed. I speak as a life long Blues enthusiast. Mark Scott, Naperville, IL

Jonathan Sims

August 30, 2011

" "

Joshua & Lois Ingram

August 30, 2011

David was love by many and will be missed by all. May GOD bless the family.
Rest in peace Honey Boy.

Brent Buhler

August 30, 2011

Truly the last of the greatest giants in the earliest blues generation!! Performer, songwriter, and educator until the end of his life and he will be badly missed here below. For those who believe in death as a transistion there must be plenty of joyful celebration and jammin' at the long awaited reunion. Brent Buhler (Memphis, TN)

Bob Fila

August 30, 2011

My condolences to the family. As a Chicago Tribune Photographer I had the honor to photograph Mr. Edwards on a number of occasions and it always sent chills up my spine! What a kind, talented and warm human being "Honeyboy" was. Being a blues fan it was so special to listen to his stories and watch him work his magic on the guitar and his voice was just as magical. On one occasion I had the opportunity to carry his guitar to the car as we chatted...you will never be forgotten sir! God Bless you and your family.

K. Henderson

August 30, 2011

He was history in motion. He will be greatly missed by family, friends and alike. Recalled by all the memories that you have share and I hope it make you all smile. Our Heavenly Father has the promise to "comfort all those who are mourning."

August 30, 2011

Rest in peace, Honey Boy. From a Blues lover. Pressman (Conyers,
Ga

K. Leo Straiton

August 30, 2011

I am honored that I saw Mr. Edwards perform in 2010 and met him afterward. We were all blessed to have had him in our world for so long. Thank you Honey Boy!

william varnadore

August 30, 2011

you had to be good to have lasted this long.your music will live on and on. rest in peace

August 30, 2011

did not know you, but love the story and rest in peace "HONEY-BOY"and may the lord bless and comfort his family.i am from soso, mississippi and dont know where shaw, is located but be proud of this special man

Charles Edwards

August 30, 2011

Rest in peace.

THANKS !!!

john earle w.

August 30, 2011

Thanks for your music. God be with his family and close friends, hear my prayer, oh Lord.

Reba Nelson

August 30, 2011

To the family of Honey Boy Edwards, I Hate I haven't seen or heard this great until now when it's to late, But I'll hear in songs. RIP God has hime, in his arms now. The Nelson Family. In Chirst Jesus. Be Blessed. His music will be missed forever........Blues Live On....."

Jim "Otis" Foxx

August 30, 2011

The Last of the last. You have touched more people than you will ever know. God Bless You and thank-you. The world is a lesser place with-out you.

Jim Wisconsin

August 30, 2011

Play on, Honey Boy! Jim in Wisconsin

WILLIEM HALLENBORG

August 30, 2011

MR DELTA BLUES RIP

Danno

August 30, 2011

We've lost a GREAT ONE!!!! Inspired so many.

Ms. Jacks

August 30, 2011

To The Edwards Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. May God give you comfort and peace through prayer. Philippian 4:6,7.

Time gone by, Thanks for all the "Memories"

Robert Thomas

August 30, 2011

Thanks, Thanks and Thanks again, rest in peace,

debra merritt

August 30, 2011

so sorry for your loss. May the Lord bless all at this time. blues live.

Jose Alvarez

August 30, 2011

I did not know you, nor listen to your music, but what I just read about you make me think that you were agreat man. MAY YOUR SOUL REST IN PEACE.

J.A. Alvarez
New Jersey

Bobbi

August 30, 2011

I am a new found Blues lover and thank you Honey Boy for your talent and enjoyment you give to others

Kinderlin

August 30, 2011

Thank you everyone for all of your kind, heartfelt words of warmth and encouragement. My grandad Loved all of his fans deeply and will be missed.

Dione Taylor

August 30, 2011

Oh! how I love the Blues, I can relate, it's good for your soul when you don't know how to get over a problem. what to do what to do. The Blues, The Blues, Honey Boy Edwards had a Naural Talent.
He was a National Treasure, in the shows, He was the better of the best! How sweet it is I wish I was at one of thoughs shows. You don't want to go home. The True History, first hand experince.

Honey Boy Edwards true to his name. 2 cor: 2-3 May all comfort be granted to his Family and Friends.

Michael James

August 30, 2011

A number of the great musicians are heaven bound .. Gotta be some real serious jam sessions going on!

A York

August 30, 2011

Rest in Peace. Your music will live on forever.

Hollis Turner

August 30, 2011

What a blessing to do what you love for a lifetime. Take your rest, Honey Boy, and play on in the Savour's presence.

BlackJack

August 30, 2011

Goodbye to Honey. He'll be sorely missed. I had the pleasure of traveling with Honey & Michael down to the delta a few times, and I will live with those memories forever. Too much sadness to even begin to talk about it here, but know that Honey was a great man and it was an honor to know him.

Shirley F Thomas

August 30, 2011

WOW, WOW, WoW what a blessing that he lived to get 96 years old and was also able to play and intertain

Joan Garland

August 30, 2011

"Honey Boy".....What a joy it would have been to meet you and hear you perform, in person. Thank you for sharing your heart and soul and talent for all to enjoy. You are truly a "gift" to society. Thank you for the memories and your book. I am honored to be signing your guest book. Happy Journey.....

August 30, 2011

He is now playing for the Lord. May he rest in peace, along with Sachmo.

C Fuqua

August 30, 2011

R.I.P Mr.Edwards! May GOD bless your family in this time of sorrow for JOY COMES IN THE MORNING. The Angels of Heaven will play their harps and you your guitar to make a joyful noise.

Betsy

August 30, 2011

Bless his heart. No books can tell us what that old man knew. What a sad day in the history of Delta blues.

Showing 1 - 100 of 154 results

Make a Donation
in David Edwards's name

How to support David's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor David Edwards's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sponsored