Of all the famous and not-so-famous musicians that I've met or played with, Robert Lockwood Jr. has to be among the most remarkable people in the business.

I came to know Robert all too briefly, and all too late. I wish that I'd had twenty years to learn just a small part of his knowledge and practical wisdom in life. I suppose you could say that I became acquainted with him by being a cut-up.

In addition to the guitar, drums, banjo, and whatever else I play, perhaps the most unusual instrument that I own is the musical saw. My cousin, the late Dr. Kelse Hoffman, was one of the world's great proponents of the musical saw, and he taught me how to play it at an early age.

The saw is one of those instruments that comes right out of the soul of America. Originally played (I believe) in slave cabins and farms, the saw graduated to live Vaudeville theater, and was played and studied for its acoustic properties by no less a giant than Lloyd Loar (of Gibson guitar fame) who kept one in his instrument case. These days, a few saws continue to be made especially for musical work, but they can be difficult to find.

One day many years ago at a Berea restaurant, Robert Lockwood Jr. was playing with his band, and I offered to sit in with my musical saw. A big smile came over Robert's face, as he remembered saw-playing from the old days. After a few numbers, we sat down and talked about old styles of music that seemed to be fading away.

His wife at that time, Annie (now deceased), was also present. We had a great evening together. Robert and Annie both ended up signing a guitar for me that I treasure to this day.

Soon thereafter, the Cleveland City Council was given an evening at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I ended up spending the time there with Robert and Annie. Annie in particular was indignant that there was no mention of Robert anywhere. She related stories of fixing up her incredible fried chicken for a number of presently famous blues stars that Robert helped along the way, including the great B.B. King. Annie felt strongly that Robert's influence should be better known and recognized.

Later, I connected with Bob Santelli, then part of Rock Hall management. Soon after I shared Annie's and Robert's concerns with Bob, the Rock Hall had a special Robert Lockwood night, as well as a display wall put up for Robert. It was my pleasure to be a small part of that evening's festivities, as you can see in the accompanying photo of my family and Robert's.

My dad, Robert Rice, also played trumpet with Robert one night at the old Brother's Lounge. It was not long after my father had colon surgery. I'll never forget that in the middle of a blues tune, Dad turned to me and asked me to hold his stomach in so his stitches would not rupture when he played those high notes! I don't recall whether I finished my saw solo or not that night, but Dad and Robert finished theirs! They had a great respect for each other, as you can see from the picture.

The stories about Robert Lockwood's connection to pioneer Blues legend Robert Johnson are well-known. Guitarists from all over the world revered Robert Lockwood Jr'.s unique style and inimitable presentation. Robert was, however, unafraid to change songs to his liking over time. I seem to recall a story of how Robert rather caustically responded to critical comments by saying that if people wanted to hear a song done a certain way, they should have stayed home and listened to the record!

Robert was able to achieve a good measure of recognition towards the end of his life that eluded him in earlier years. It is an honor to have known him and have played with him. I have played the Blues at many times and in many places, but never did I have a better time doing so than with Robert.

I can truthfully say that I learned my blues from the man, who learned them from the great Robert Johnson many years ago. I also made that man smile with that old saw of mine. Smiles don't come easy to bluesmen (or women).

I know. I'm a bluesman now, thanks in part to Robert Lockwood Jr. He was the best there was. Robert Lockwood Jr. passed away on November 21st.