Suzie Vinnick

I just heard that Chris Whitley died of lung cancer. He was 45, and one of my favorite musicians.

Rick Fines introduced me to Chris' album "Living With the Law" sometime in the early 90's - we played it over and over and over while touring across Canada. I loved Chris's soul-filled singing and guitar playing, his poetic sensibilities, the sensuality and darkness he wasn't afraid to write about. I listened to the album a bunch over the next few years, but then the CD pouch that contained it was stolen.

Enter summer 2003 and my buddy Geordie Millar - Geordie re-connected me to Chris' music in an email where he told me about tunes and artists that he really dug, and even suggested a few tunes he could hear me singing (one was a Jimi Hendrix song called "Drifting" that Chris covered) . I wrangled another copy of "Living With the Law", and figured out how to play the title track; I forgot how much I loved the album, and it became another summer's soundtrack. I bought a bunch more that get regular rotation in my world - "Perfect Day", "Weed", "Dirt Floor", "War Crime Blues". There are another six or so more albums I've yet to explore; I will do so soon.

Chris had come through Ottawa on several occasions over the years, but I was never able to arrange to go and see him perform. Then in September 2005 I heard he was coming to my local music spot, Hughs Room, in Toronto. I called the booker to see who was opening and arranged to get to do so. I did my set without any hitches; have to say the real thrill was getting to be there and hear him live. He closed the night with one of my favorite songs, "Dirt Floor".

He was a slight, wiry man, he had these big eyes that possessed a child-like wonder and innocence and wisdom. At the end of the night I got to say a quick hi to him, and thanked him for letting me open the night, thanked him for his music and words, and for the inspiration he provided me. He didn't say much, but let me get a picture with him (I'm beaming a little too much for my liking in it, so I've not posted it. However I've posted another shot I took of Chris during the show).

I was so grateful to have been there that night.
I am so grateful for all I've learned from his music.
I am so sorry to hear of his passing.

I've included lyrics to his song, "Dirt Floor" (I hope I got them right...).