The bluesman died Sunday from heart failure. He was 80.
Sumlin played lead guitar for Howlin’ Wolf from the early 1950s until Wolf died in 1976. The Grammy-nominated guitarist released more than a dozen solo albums and was ranked number 43 on Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Guitarists list.
His final effort, 2004’s About Them Shoes, featured a guest appearance by Richards. In addition to Richards, Sumlin is said to have influenced Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Eric Clapton.
Sumlin’s partner Toni Ann, who posted a statement on Sumlin’s website announcing his death, said that Jagger and Richards have offered to take care of the funeral expenses.
“I just wanted to share with you, Hubert’s loving fans, that Mick Jagger and Keith Richards have insisted on picking up the full expenses for Hubert’s funeral. God Bless The Rolling Stones,” Ann posted online, according to music website Noise11.com.
Jagger released the following statement Thursday about Sumlin:
“Hubert was an incisive yet delicate blues player. He had a really distinctive and original tone and was a wonderful foil for Howlin’ Wolf’s growling vocal style. On a song like ‘Goin’ Down Slow’ he could produce heart-rending emotion, and on a piece like ‘Wang Dang Doodle’ an almost playful femininity. He was an inspiration to us all.”
Public services are being held for Sumlin in Totowa, N.J., at the Festa Memorial Funeral Home. Viewings are scheduled Dec. 11 followed by a religious service on Dec. 12.
A private service is being held in Homewood, Ill., at the Washington Memorial Gardens Dec. 13.
Click here for Hubert Sumlin’s website.
Click here for the post from Noise11.com.