#1025 - Norman Seeff

Sleepy John Estes, Memphis, 1975
#1025 - Norman Seeff

“Every night I was going somewhere. I’d work all day on a farm, play all night and get back home about sunrise. I’d get the mule and get right on going. I went to sleep once in the shed. I used to go to sleep so much when we were playing they called me “Sleepy”. But I never missed a note”
~
Sleepy John
1899-1977


“ I arrived at a small house far beyond the outskirts of Memphis. My guide asked Sleepy if I could photograph him. Sleepy replied “Okay buts got to buy beer” I couldn’t understand a word of what he was saying-his southern accent was so extreme. My hippie guide had to act as an interpreter. I ended up buying a lot of beer. People from all around the neighborhood rolled up and it turned into a big party.”
~
Norman Seeff