Last weekend I went to local Clarksdale bluesman Robert Bilbo Walker's funeral, who sadly died in California at the age of 80 years old. I met 'Bilbo' for the first time last October in Clarksdale, and got to play with him several times, as well as having him turn up at my hotel room, and offering for my father and I to go on tour with him (!) He was that kinda guy. Always full of surprises, hilarious stories and a character unlike any other.

The funeral was an experience in itself, which I thought it might be. 2 hours long with the most incredible gospel band, his daughters wearing the most amazing sequinned jackets, and people going up to the stage to pay tribute and give anecdotes, mostly music related, which involving Bilbo, usually meant a cause to laugh!

In the evening, a tribute jam was held at Red's Blues Club, which was heavily attended by friends, family and fans alike, with lots of great music and dancing. Here are some images from the evening, which will form part of my ongoing project on Clarksdale, MS...

Dancing to Terry 'Big T' Williams, Red's Blues Club, Clarksdale, MS

Robert Bilbo Walker's daughter Estelle sings some of her father's songs.

Harvell Thomas, local bass player from The Stone Gas Band, Clarksdale, MS

Robert Bilbo Walker's wife Audrey dances with one of her daughters.

Robert Bilbo Walker's daughter Estelle dances with a family member to Terry Big T Williams

Robert Bilbo Walker's daughters, also known as 'The California Dolls' get up to sing & dance.