Artist David "Honeyboy" Edwards

Countless bluesmen claim Robert Johnson as an influence, but 95-year-old guitarist David “Honeyboy” Edwards actually knew the man. In fact, Edwards was there the night Johnson died from a drink of poisoned whiskey, a moment since immortalized beyond all reason. As a walking history of modern music, Edwards is a fine musician in his own right, though the nickname “Honeyboy” belies his rough-as-Mississippi-livin’ voice and slashing guitar playing. Having stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the greats, Edwards’ music is held up as some of the best Delta blues ever.

Updated 02/08/2011