Gathering the Samurai - Rev. Robert Wilkins

We stood at Reverend Robert Wilkins' door. This was the first visit to potential members of what would become The Memphis Blues Caravan. Wilkins had recorded some powerful sides in the late 20's and early 30's for "race labels" and had enjoyed great success. Unfortunately for the Blues world, he "head the call" and became ordained as a Minister in the mid thirties. He vowed never to play the Blues again.

Ringing the bell, his wife answered and escorted us into the living room. I remember a red shag carpet, wall to wall, with spotless white painted woodwork. The furniture was comfortable and well kept and on the mantle piece were pictures of family and friends. Light green shades covered lamps at either end of the couch where Reverend Wilkins sat as we entered. The entire room seemed bathed in a serene yellow glow. Mrs. Wilkins excused herself and disappeared into the kitchen at the back of the house. Reverend Wilkins asked us to have a seat.

We described to him what we were interested in doing. He explained to us his vow to give up the "Devil's music" though we sensed that his resolve might not be totally unshakable. The Blues he performed on those early recordings were done (I was told) primarily in the Key of A. All of his religious material was done largely in the Key of E. He sat with his guitar on his lap and, after much coaching from Steve, he tuned up to A. As he struck the strings after finally tuning up, and that A chord rang through the house, his wife suddenly appeared. "Robert, you best not be doin' what I think you're doin'!" The guitar was quickly tuned down to E and the air went out of our balloon.

Reverend Wilkins told us that he would be unable to join us in this adventure but wished us well. He then proceeded to play a few tunes he had written. One of these was a song which, he announced proudly, had been done by "some English boys" - a group called The Rolling Stones. He then launched into "Prodigal Son". The tune closed with the line, "...and that's the way for us to get along." I had to agree. But there would be no Blues from Reverend Wilkins.

The next afternoon, I'd knock on the door of 1112 Walker Ave. and meet John Williams, a/k/a Memphis Piano Red.

[Below is Rev. Wilkins' son, John, doing his father's classic, "Prodigal Son."]