Friends, musicians pay tribute to local living blues legend | Arts & Culture

It was a live celebration of art as neighbors, friends and musicians gathered inside The 145 Club in Fairfield County to honor a local living blues legend.

 “What an incredible honor to have this man in our presence,” said Elfi Hacker of The 145 Club.

A man way beyond the rural areas of South Carolina, Drink Small, also known as the “Blues Doctor,” sat and listened as fellow musicians delivered a non-stop musical tribute in his honor,  all while celebrating his 80th birthday.

 It was a charity event to help raise funds for Small.

 “To really support his work, as he continues to write music and our objective is to get it published and get it recorded and get it out there on the air,” Hacker added.

Small was born in Bishopville, SC and has played alongside other icons such as Muddy Waters and Buddy Guy.

Musician Larry Palmer recalls the first time he got a chance to play next to the Blues Doctor.

 “I met Drink when I was 13-years-old,” said Palmer. “I went to a club one night, met him down at the club and I started playing with him, I started playing with him ever since.”

The benefit included a 50/50 raffle where one lucky person went home with a new guitar, with some of the proceeds going toward Small’s failing health.

 “I’m half-blind,” said Small. “But I’m glad to be able to see it.”

Small leaves us with some words of wisdom.

“If you want to live to 80-years-old, stop doing crazy stuff,” Small added.