At 87, Buddy Guy still inspiring youth

CHICAGO — If ever there was a musician who embodies the rich Chicago Blues scene, it’s Buddy Guy, a legend in many ways. Now in his later years, at 87, he feels it’s as important as ever to share his life and lessons with the youth of today.

At a recent evening at Evergreen Park Community High School, crowds gathered to honor him. His grandson Nikolus is a Senior at the school.

“My whole life people had been telling me, ‘Your grandpa is amazing.’ I was like he’s just my grandpa,” he said. “But now doing my research for this event I really can grasp the full atmosphere of who he is. He’s a legend.”

Born and raised in Louisiana ,about an hour outside of Baton Rouge,  George “Buddy” Guy grew up in a share cropper family who picked cotton on a plantation. Guy went to work at the tender age of 5 and started playing the guitar about the same time.

Pursuing his love of the Blues, Guy moved to what was considered the center of the emerging Blues scene – Chicago. In those early years he would work full time and then play a local clubs.

Guy would soon make it on the Blues scene playing with some of the greats while carving out a name for himself.

All these years later and still in great demand, Guy splits his time between his South Loop Blues club and his family. And all the while never too far from those days growing up in the deep south.

Among these students and parents at Evergreen Park Community High School, Guy fielded questions with his grandson and classmate Samantha Ricks.

For his part, the legend’s message to today’s youth is simple: “There’s a right way and a wrong way.”

And while he grew up dirt poor in a shotgun shack, he went on to win Grammys and play before paupers and presidents alike. Very few could have predicted his global success. He in turn is quick to credit parents who he says were part disciplinarians and part dream weavers inspiring him to do what makes his heart sing.

“My main message is don’t give up. Whatever it is, don’t ever give up,” he said.

Nikolus wants to do something in advertising or marketing or production. His brother and Buddy’s grandson Nelson was also at the event. He is a Sophomore.

Guy says he’s going to keep running his club and playing the Blues as long as he can which should put a smile on a lot of faces.

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