Introducing "Bluesmen" series from VS

[Rabbit]

Please meet "Gatemouth"

I like the twisted VS stripe very much. A possible candidate for a monochrome VS stripe as well.

 

[mustangman3000]

Why does it feel like your always trying to reach into my back pocket Art?

 

[mayserwegener]

He played in several cities. He was even up in Canada. But he was a notorious rambler, never staying in one place for long. I didn't mean a Johnson hat should be in a backwoods country style. But he wasn't exactly a star making huge amounts of money at that time. He was playing for tips on street corners. And being a rambler he probably didn't have a huge wardrobe. I wouldn't be surprised if they lend him a sharp suit and hat for this 1936 promo picture. In my mind I always envision him in a kind of disheveled look. No rags, but a well worn suit and hat probably not of the latest style.

I actually like the look of his stingy very much. I have a beat up English hat, probably early 30s or even earlier, with a two inch brim and straight crown that looks very similar.

It was common for these guys to blow what little money they had on clothes. A good night of gambling could lead to some new threads.

 

[seabass]

Ill Go For a "Po BOB" Hat !
bring it on Art !

Oh yea the Honey Boy is Crazy Cool !

 

[Rudie]

It was common for these guys to blow what little money they had on clothes. A good night of gambling could lead to some new threads.

Maybe. Still, I am thinking along the same lines as Art. I just don't see Robert Johnson being as posh as T-Bone Walker, Big Bill Broonzy or other urban bluesmen.

I'm thinking along the same lines Dan as far as pure '30s design. Where I get stuck is his lifestyle was so rural and "day to day" that it wouldn't be clean, wouldn't be new, wouldn't be fancy, so I can see what it wouldn't be, just not what it SHOULD be. Does that make sense? It will most likely be in charcoal or dark brown, it will definitely have a wide ribbon, most likely welted edge and not very distinctive. Remember, "Po Bob". I would love to build something grandiose but it wouldn't fit the character. For me one of the keys is fitting the character of the man to the hat and asking myself, "Would he wear this given the chance"

 

[mayserwegener]

He also gambled so it was an up and down (mostly down) situation. When guys like him came into money they would buy new clothes. Appearance was a really big deal.

 

[Art Fawcett]

He also gambled so it was an up and down (mostly down) situation. When guys like him came into money they would buy new clothes. Appearance was a really big deal.

The more I read the more I know you are right Sir. Having grown up in an African American community your words strike true for a Friday night, but not Sunday morning after getting out of jail ( think juke joints and prohibition LOL). I might have to make two versions, using the classy image in my head first. Thanks for the input, I'm putting it on the block in a few minutes..I've got it!!! yee haw!!!

 

[Brando11]

Great collection! I like them all, but the Honeyboy is my personal fave. Outstanding!

 

[mayserwegener]

The more I read the more I know you are right Sir. Having grown up in an African American community your words strike true for a Friday night, but not Sunday morning after getting out of jail ( think juke joints and prohibition LOL). I might have to make two versions, using the classy image in my head first. Thanks for the input, I'm putting it on the block in a few minutes..I've got it!!! yee haw!!!

Same here, I live between DC and Baltimore. Guys like Johnson lived in the moment. If they came into money (the more of it the longer the binges) they would buy new clothes and drink and gamble the money away.

 

[St. Valentine]

Oh goodness Art, that Pinetop blows me away! :eusa_clap

 

[Art Fawcett]

Why does it feel like your always trying to reach into my back pocket Art?

Why, it's just your imagination MMan, (removing right hand....)

"Oh goodness Art, that Pinetop blows me away! "

Thank you Frank!!

 

[Blewbyou]

Lovin the pinetop, Art.

As you've seen in my pics I've sent you I'm big into music with the blues being the top of the heap in my eyes/ears. I've had a good year this year for concerts. Saw BB King and Buddy Guy both fantastic concerts!

 

[BR Gordon]

Ill Go For a "Po BOB" Hat !
bring it on Art !

Oh yea the Honey Boy is Crazy Cool !

I have to agree with Che, that Honeyboy is one special hat.

 

[Art Fawcett]

Thank you BR, it's only ONE of my favorites but then, I've seen them all.
BTW your Blue Smoke is shipping on Monday, came out very cool.

 

[BR Gordon]

Thank you BR, it's only ONE of my favorites but then, I've seen them all.
BTW your Blue Smoke is shipping on Monday, came out very cool.

Thanks, Art. I can't wait to see, and wear it

 

[J.B.]

Say, this IS a good week for Po Bob!

A world-class fedora gets unveiled, and...

...a stretch of Mississippi highway to be dedicated/renamed in his honor! eace:

 

[winter_joe]

The pine top and honey boy are beautiful art now I know what I want for Christmas lol!

 

[RBH]

I think I have only seen Gatemouth in a cowboy hat.
I first watched him on Austin City Limits back in 1977 I believe.
He was something else!!!!

 

[Thunderball]

Me2. I always think of Gatemouth in a cowboy hat.

 

[J.B.]

That other Gatemouth has a "brass note" on the Beale Street Walk of Fame.