Bibb was born on 16th August 1951 in New York into a musical family. His father, Leon Bibb, is a trained singer who sang in musical theatre and made a name for himself as part of the 1960s New York folk scene. His uncle was the world-famous jazz pianist and composer John Lewis, of the Modern Jazz Quartet. Family friends included Pete Seeger, Odetta, and actor/singer/activist Paul Robeson, Bibb'sgodfather.
Bibb was given his first steel-string guitar when he was seven years old. Growing up surrounded by talent, he recalls a childhood conversation with Bob Dylan, who, on the subject of guitar playing advised the eleven-year-old Bibb to "Keep it simple, forget all that fancy stuff".
At sixteen years old, Bibb's father invited him to play guitar in the house band for his television talent show Someone New. Bibb's early musical heroes were from his father's band, and included Bill Lee (father of director Spike), who appeared on Bibb's album Me To You, years later.
In 1969, Bibb played guitar for the Negro Ensemble Company at St Mark's place in New York, and went on to study Psychology and Russian at Colombia University, but at the age of nineteen he left for Paris, where a meeting with guitarist Mickey Baker focused his interest in blues guitar. When he later moved to Sweden, Bibb found a creative environment which took him back to Greenwich Village during the heyday of the folk revival. Settling in Stockholm, Bibb immersed himself in pre-war blues and continued to write and perform.
The album Good Stuff was released in 1997, and led to Bibb signing to the British based Code Blue label. Eric's only release on Code Blue was Me to You, featuring appearances from some of Bibb's personal heroes in Pops and Mavis Staples, and Taj Mahal (who also worked with Bibb on the Grammy-nominated children's record, Shakin' a Tailfeather). The album furthered Bibb's international reputation and was followed by tours of the U.K., U.S.A., Canada, France, Sweden, and Germany.
In the late 1990s Bibb joined forces with his then manager, Alan Robinson, to form Manhaton Records, in Britain. The albums Home to Me (1999), Roadworks (2000), and Painting Signs (2001) followed, as did another Opus 3 release, Just Like Love.
Still Livin' On
Eric Bibb Lyrics
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Played a sweet guitar with calloused hands
He touched my heart with southern grace
One of my heroes, dead an' gone - still livin′ on
Elizabeth Cotten, as a young girl
Wrote a famous tune went 'round the world
Freight train, freight train - a timeless song.
Reverend Gary Davis smoked a fat cigar
A blind street-singer with a big guitar
Livin′ his sermon, he taught us so well
One of my heroes, dead an' gone - still livin′ on
Now, the great Son House - a Delta blues king
I saw him play an' heard him sing
I was a young man then, his time wasn′t long
He's one of my heroes, dead an′ gone - still livin' on
Sam Charters from Texas with his wife named Ann
Been spreadin' the word from land to land
Blues faces won′t fade away
One of my heroes, still livin′ on - still livin' on
Roebuck Staples - they called him "Pops"
His inspiration will never stop
I hear his voice inside my own
He′s one of my heroes, dead an' gone - still livin′ on.
Still livin' on
Read ′em in a book, look 'em up on the net
Blues people we can't forget
Roots need water for the tree to thrive
Talkin′ ′bout my heroes - still alive
My heroes - livin' on
Still livin′ on.
The song "Still Livin' On" by Eric Bibb is an ode to some of the influential and legendary blues musicians of the past who have left a lasting impact on him. The lyrics describe several well-known artists such as Mississippi John Hurt, Elizabeth Cotten, Reverend Gary Davis, Son House, Sam Charters, and Roebuck Staples, who have passed away but their legacies live on in their music. The opening verse praises Mississippi John Hurt, a farmer who became one of the most significant blues musicians of the early 20th century. Hurt's calloused hands and sweet guitar playing could touch hearts with southern grace, and Bibb considers him a hero who may have died, but still lives on through his music.
The second verse talks about Elizabeth Cotton, who wrote the timeless song "Freight Train," which went around the world, and is now considered to be a classic of American folk music. The third and fourth verses talk about Reverend Gary Davis and Son House, respectively. Both of whom were often considered among the best and most influential blues guitarists of their time. Davis was a blind street singer who played a big guitar and was known for living his sermon while performing. Son House, on the other hand, was a Delta blues king, and Bibb saw him play and heard him sing when he was a young man. Bibb also acknowledges Sam Charters and his wife Ann, who have been spreading the word about blues music from land to land.
Finally, the song praises Roebuck "Pops" Staples, whose inspiration will never stop, and Bibb still hears his voice inside his own. All these artists have left a mark in history and influenced several musicians that came after them. Bibb honors them by stating that even though they are dead and gone, they still live on through their music.
Line by Line Meaning
Mississippi John Hurt was a farmin' man
Mississippi John Hurt worked as a farmer.
Played a sweet guitar with calloused hands
He was also skilled at playing the guitar despite having rough hands from his work as a farmer.
He touched my heart with southern grace
His music had a profound impact on me and was imbued with the charm and hospitality commonly associated with the southern United States.
One of my heroes, dead an' gone - still livin' on
Although he has passed away, his music and legacy continue to resonate with me and others who admire him.
Elizabeth Cotten, as a young girl
When she was a child, Elizabeth Cotten...
Wrote a famous tune went 'round the world
...created a song that became widely known and recognized around the globe.
Freight train, freight train - a timeless song.
The song she created, 'Freight Train,' is a classic that has endured over time.
Reverend Gary Davis smoked a fat cigar
The musician and preacher Reverend Gary Davis enjoyed thin cigars.
A blind street-singer with a big guitar
Despite being blind, he was a skilled musician who played a large guitar.
Livin' his sermon, he taught us so well
He effectively conveyed life lessons through his music and preaching.
Now, the great Son House - a Delta blues king
Son House, a talented blues musician, was known as the Delta blues king.
I saw him play an′ heard him sing
I had the opportunity to witness his musical abilities first-hand.
I was a young man then, his time wasn't long
Although I was young, it was clear that he would not be with us for long.
Sam Charters from Texas with his wife named Ann
Sam Charters, who hailed from Texas, was accompanied by his wife named Ann.
Been spreadin' the word from land to land
Together, they traveled to various locations to share their love of blues music with others.
Blues faces won't fade away
The influence and contributions of blues musicians will continue to be remembered and celebrated over time.
One of my heroes, still livin' on - still livin' on
Despite not being around anymore, the impact he had on me and others still remains and will not be forgotten.
Roebuck Staples - they called him 'Pops'
Roebuck Staples was affectionately referred to as 'Pops.'
His inspiration will never stop
His music and influence will continue to be a source of inspiration and motivation for others.
I hear his voice inside my own
His music and message have become a part of me and continue to resonate within me.
Still livin' on
Despite being gone, his spirit and legacy continue to persist and remain with us.
Read 'em in a book, look 'em up on the net
One can learn about these musicians through various resources such as books and the internet.
Blues people we can't forget
These influential blues musicians should not and will not be forgotten.
Roots need water for the tree to thrive
Just as a tree requires water for growth, the legacy of these musicians needs to be nourished and sustained for future generations.
Talkin' 'bout my heroes - still alive
Despite having passed on, the impact and influence of these musicians continues to live on.
My heroes - livin' on
These musicians who I have admired and looked up to continue to inspire me and have a lasting impact.
Still livin' on.
The memory and legacy of these musicians will continue to endure and live on for generations to come.
Writer(s): Eric Charles Bibb
Contributed by Kaylee K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.