Sammy Levert Johnson

We loved Sammy and his talent long before he became a key core member of the Generation Blues Experience. Seeing him on the Bill - Harmonica Sammy Lee - always meant we would try to go see him. And then he came to the BMPAC for my big birthday party and played Sugar Momma --- just for me. He was very special.

He helped us establish the band, Generation Blues Experience. Without him, it never would have happened. But more than all these things we just loved the love that he shared - with young, old, black, white. And when he played that harmonica, look out. That lonely train whistle could bring you to tears and then he'd have you jumping when he busted out with Every Day I Have the Blues.

I had the opportunity to work with him up close and personal and he was always there for us, as we hoped we could always be there for him. He leaves a big void in the lives of those who knew and loved him.