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John Peel OBE, 1939 - 2004
Early Blues Interview
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Sherman: Moved to Houston when 2 years old. Alan: What are your musical memories growing up in Houston, Texas? Sherman: 60’s era Don Robey Peacock Records. Alan: Did you always was to become a musician? Sherman: No always wanted to go to seminary to be a priest. Alan: How did you get started in music? Sherman: After I watched Hank Williams on T.V. that was my inspiration. Alan: What kind of material were you playing in the early days? Sherman: Top 40’s Alan: What was it like playing in Clifton Chenier’s band? Sherman: It was the greatest experience of Leadership and I learned a lot from him. Alan: Who are your favourite zydeco artists (both old and new)?
Alan: Do you ever go back to Louisiana to play zydeco? Sherman: Once and a while, when I am off tour! Visit family... Alan: What first attracted you to the blues? Sherman: Freddie King, B.B. King, Bobby Bland. Alan: Who are your favourite blues artists (both old and new)? Sherman: Freddie King (Old) Stevie Ray Vaughan (new). Alan: What was it like playing for Paul Simon on the Graceland album? Sherman: Something bigger than Life!
Sherman: I listen to all types of music and writers and pull from all styles... Life influenced me the most. Alan: What was the best blues album you ever bought? Sherman: Bobby Bland – Two Steps from the Blues, Robert Cray - Strong Persuasion Alan: What is your favourite guitar? Sherman: Fender ES 175. Alan: Are there any particular songs that you play that have special meaning to you? Sherman: Am I losing you! and Make it Rain. Some life experiences that I went through. Alan: ‘He ruled the stage and had the audience in the palm of his hands – just plain physical showmanship’ said Alligator Records president Bruce Iglauer. How important is it for you to be able to mix with the audience?
Alan: How healthy do you think the blues scene is in the UK compared with the US? Sherman: Not healthy because it’s not on the main stream music. Alan: Tell me about the making of your album ‘Guitar Man – Live’? Sherman: At the time Little Feet thought I was the real deal... so with that said we decided to do a live version to bring the upfront real me to introduce me to a new crowd. Alan: A lot of music styles may be fads but the blues is always with us. Why do you think that is?
Alan: How do you see the future of blues music? Sherman: It’s too early to tell... Alan: How do you see the future of zydeco music? Sherman: Its reached its peak... it used to be fun music lively and feel good... now they want to make it serious it just won’t work... Alan: What are your future plans / gigs / tours / albums? Sherman: Not sure, taking one day at a time. In future looking to do another album/dvd video. Alan: Many thanks Sherman.
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Sherman:
Clifton Chenier, Buckwheat. 
Alan:
Who has influenced you the most in your music writing and
playing? 
Sherman:
It’s about connecting to the audience so that they leave changed by the
music and the connection that I can give them. This is so that I can
take them with me on my journey when I play. I want to bring them from
sad to happiness... with my music. 
Sherman:
Its everyday life and it’s about real people. 