Story #2: 83-year-old Mississippi Bluesman Leo “Bud” Welch
Two years ago no one outside of Bruce, Mississippi knew Leo “Bud” Welch. Today, he’s recognized as one of the last remaining Mississippi Delta bluesman.
Born in 1932, Leo “Bud” Welch began playing guitar at the age of 13. He played for family, friends, and churches while making a living in the logging industry and on the farm for more than 35 years.
On April 5th, 2015, a release party will be held for Leo’s first ever blues C.D entitled “I Don’t Prefer No Blues.”
The album tittle is a quote when Leo talked to the preacher at his church and told him he was recording a blues C.D.
Last year, he released his first gospel album just before his 82nd birthday.
Leo is proof to never give up on your dreams. He also wants to pass the legacy of music along to a new generation.
Alongside the main video, we also created a second short video documenting one of Leo’s visits to a school in Arkansas where he performed for young children in hopes of keeping the tradition of blues alive and well in younger generations.
Leo hopes to continue to visit schools and pass his music along in hopes of inspiring the next great blues musician.
You can view the video below as well as a GoFundMe page to help cover Leo’s travel expenses to and from the schools:
The video:
GoFundMe:
http://www.gofundme.com/thebluesinschools
Credits:
Director, Cinematographer, and Editor: Brent Foster
Audio, Color, and Additional Cinematography: Nick Brokalakis
Original music by: Leo “Bud” Welch
leobudwelch.com
Itunes:
itunes.apple.com/ca/album/i-dont-prefer-no-blues/id969888822
and
itunes.apple.com/ca/artist/leo-welch/id312310069
End score:
Sun Through The Clouds (Instrumental) by Matthew Morgan, Marmoset Music
marmosetmusic.com/browse/5506
Special Thanks to:
Leo “Bud” Welch, Vencie Varnado, Dixie Street, and Preston Kanak
Supported by:
RODE Microphones, Marmoset, and Zylight