from our August 2006 Fountain AfterDark:
George Higgs’ Rainy Day Released
Local blues legend George Higgs has released his latest CD, Rainy Day, and copies are now available for $15 at Fountain General Store and via RAF’s secure e.store.
Recorded at George and Bettye Higgs’ Tarboro home, the new disc includes 19 songs, including two numbers written by Bettye and three by George as well as Higgs’ original interpretations of classic blues songs by Brownie McGhee, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Big Bill Broonzy, and Josh White.
Like Tarboro Blues, his first CD, the new record is produced by Tim Duffy and released on his MusicMaker Relief Foundation label.
Bettye Higgs reports that her husband is doing much better since suffering renal failure and several resultant small strokes this past spring. He was not in good shape for a long time, she says. He is on dialysis three times a week, but he is in good spirits and has started playing guitar and harmonica again.
“The doctor prescribed it,” Mrs. Higgs says. “He said it was good for his hands and for his wind.” She adds that George suffers no speech impediments or problems with his hands, and that he’s anxious to get out again. “To hear him talk, you wouldn’t know anything had happened.”
Higgs has had to cancel several gigs, and Mrs. Higgs’ surgery two weeks ago has also slowed the family somewhat. She is now back at home and is able to get around the house.
“We hope to get over to Fountain for Lightnin’s show,” Mrs. Higgs says. [Higgs’ longtime playing partner Lightnin’ Wells returns to Fountain General Store for a concert on September 23.] “We miss seeing the folks over there, but Myrtle [Wooten] calls and lets us know how everybody’s doing.”
Cards will reach George and Bettye Higgs at 199 Bogey Street, Tarboro, NC 27886
