Frank Zappa called Gatemouth his favorite guitarist of all time.
Brown's late '40s and early -Œ50's recordings still stand the test of time. Noted historian John Broven, author "Rhythm & Blues in New Orleans," - "Gatemouth was one of the original blues guitar heroes, coming along before B.B. King and Guitar Slim. Gate downplayed the historical value of his Peacock recordings featuring lashing's of his guitar, but such was his musical diversity. I hope Universal Records re-issue's a tribute CD from their Duke-Peacock archives."

Joe Krown: "My work with Gatemouth started in the summer of 1991. I'm on -The Man, Gate Swings, American Music Texas Style, Back to Bogalusa, and In Concert DVD. Hi-lights from 1995 included 62 worldwide dates with Clapton. The big band's of 1997-2001 with a 16 piece band produced 2 CDs. We played with superstars- Santana, Clapton, Buddy Guy, Albert Collins, and many more. Gate was an original. He was in the first group to front a band playing electric guitar, and was an architect of modern guitar. His music was born out of the swing era and was the bridge between swing and rock & roll. His place in history will be noted. If I would describe him in two words it would be 'no compromise." Gate always encouraged me to express myself, and he loved listening to straight up jazz like Oscar Peterson and Jimmy Smith. He acted like he was the father and we were his children. We were as close as a family, and we will all miss each other dearly."

One of my personal favorite stories came from Delbert McClinton It all comes down to this - there's really nothing I can say. If you knew Gatemouth, you knew what an unique guy he was and no words could describe him. If you didn't know him, no words could make you understand him. He would come out to see us play nearly every time we were in NOLA. One night, I asked him if he wanted to sit-in, and he said 'I didn't come out here to save your ass.'"

Two years ago, I talked with Gate for a hour on his tour bus. The most memorable dialog was about his not wanting to be pigeonholed as a blues musician, Lord knows he was not. Later that same week, our Society held a benefit for Melvin Sparks whose guitar was stolen. I asked Gate - could you help us out and perform? Gate said, "if you pick me up, and take me home, I'm there!" It was a special night- Ron Levy on the B3, Rodney Jones, Melvin, and Gate played guitar. Near the end of the night, Gate called out to Sparks for "Okie Dokie Stomp," and in a blink of a eye- Gate busted into"Honky Tonk" I'll never forget that performance and segue. And none of us should ever forget what a unique & incredible musician Gatemouth Brown was.

Bob Putignano www.SoundsofBlue.com