He was a man and he was a legend, but Jerry Beach was no myth. He was very real. Jerry was bigger than life. Now, Jerry has left us.

Jerry Beach, the legendary local blues-man, died Sunday afternoon after a lengthy illness. As soon as the announcement of his passing was made by his daughter, singer Robin Beach-Black, ripples were sent through the local music community as hundreds of people immediately felt the loss of such an icon. There will be a void in the Shreveport music scene that will not soon be filled. Jerry left a legacy of fellow musicians, family, friends, and guitar students that will carry on his memory, but there will never be another Jerry Beach.

With a career that spanned well over four decades, a Grammy nomination (for 'I'll Play The Blues For You' covered by the great Albert King), and countless jams, Beach defined Shreveport blues. And he was no slouch on the guitar. He could switch from drippy blues scales to shredding solos in an instant, and carry you on an emotional roller coaster as he squeezed the soul of out his guitar.

I was honored to call Jerry a friend. I had shared a stage with him a few times at his Monday Night Blues Jams when they were still being held at Tommy's Place. He was a patient and kind soul, and all he had to say, he said through his guitar. I will miss him terribly.

Here is a video of Jerry playing at a benefit for his friend, Buddy Flett at the Strand Theatre in 2008. Play on, Jerry. Play on.

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