Bryan Lee

Bryan Lee (March 16, 1943 – August 21, 2020)[1][2] was an American blues guitarist and singer based in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was also known by the nickname 'Braille Blues Daddy' and was a fixture on Bourbon Street since the 1980s.

For those of a similar name, see Brian Lee (disambiguation).

Bryan Lee
Lee at the New Orleans Jazz Festival 2010
Lee at the New Orleans Jazz Festival 2010
Background information
Also known asBraille Blues Daddy
Born(1943-03-16)March 16, 1943
Two Rivers, Wisconsin, U.S.
DiedAugust 21, 2020(2020-08-21) (aged 77)
GenresBlues
Occupation(s)Musician
Instrument(s)Guitar, vocals
Years active1982–2020
Labels
Websitebraillebluesdaddy.com

History

Lee was born on March 16, 1943, in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, United States, and completely lost his eyesight by the age of eight. His avid interest in early rock and blues was fostered through the 1950s by late night listening sessions via the Nashville-based radio station WLAC-AM, where he first encountered the sounds of Elmore James, Albert King and Albert Collins.

By his late teens, Lee was playing rhythm guitar in a regional band called The Glaciers that covered Elvis Presley, Little Richard and Chuck Berry material. Through the 1960s, Lee's interest turned to Chicago blues and he soon found himself immersed in that scene, opening for some of his boyhood heroes. In 1979 he released his first album named Beauty Isn't Always Visual.

In January 1982, Lee moved to New Orleans, eventually landing a steady gig at the Old Absinthe House on Bourbon Street becoming a favorite of tourists in the city's French Quarter. For the next 14 years, Lee and his Jump Street Five played five nights a week at that popular bar, developing a huge following and a solid reputation.

To the end of his life, Lee continued to perform in New Orleans. He also toured several times a year in the Midwest, Eastern Seaboard, Rocky Mountain States and recently Europe and Brazil. Lee appeared with Kenny Wayne Shepherd as the musical guest on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on February 14, 2007.

He died on August 21, 2020, at the age of 77.[2][3]

Discography

Albums

Compilation albums

DVDs
  • 2006 Live and Dangerous (Justin Time)
    • Track list :
    1. Intro
    2. The Bounce 4:30
    3. The Walk 3:40
    4. Smokin Woman 4:32
    5. That Ain't Right 6:41
    6. Second Line Home 5:53
    7. Rocket 88 5:13
    8. Blues on My Mind 4:55
    9. Sugaree 3:38
    10. Don't Take My Blindness For Weakness 7:15
    11. Gave You What You Wanted 6:23
    12. No Need To Worry 5:50
    13. Hug Me Till It Hurts 7:05
    14. Six String Therapy 15:14
    15. Memphis Bound 12:15

References
  1. "Biography on Justin Time Records website". Archived from the original on January 17, 2008. Retrieved August 25, 2020.
  2. Geurts, Jimmy. "Braille Blues Daddy, Grammy-nominated musician and Bradenton resident, dies at 77". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Retrieved August 25, 2020.
  3. Venkatraman, Shai (August 27, 2020). "Braille Blues Daddy, legendary blind guitarist & singer is no more". Newz Hook | Disability News - Changing Attitudes towards Disability. Retrieved August 19, 2022.
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