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R. L. Burnside is one of the top blues recording artists of all time. With the exception of B. B. King, blues musicians don’t sell millions of records. If they sell several hundred thousand, they’re at the top. Burnside has sold hundreds of thousands. His music appeals to blues purists and punk rockers. You’ve heard him even if you don’t recognize his name. His music has been used on a national car commercial and on the soundtrack of "The Sopranos." He has retired from the music business now, and he lives out from Holly Springs, Mississippi. When we arrived at his home, the happy, playful sounds of great-grandchildren came from all around. In the backwoods, Mr. Burnside is called "Rule." I felt like I was being received by royalty. My colleagues and I prepared for an outdoor interview while Richard ushered Mr. Burnside to the location we had chosen in his yard. "Mr. Burnside," I inquired, "What did you think of this young man that came down here to learn from you?" "I don't care how many wheatpaper come down," he said with a twinkle in his eye, "Richard and Kenny was my favorite." I knew the Kenny he mentioned was guitarist Kenny Brown, who he calls "his adopted son." From how he had been talking with Richard, I could tell he thought of Richard as family too. Just then, a great-grandson ran through the yard yelling, "I’m gonna shoot off a firecracker!" Mr. Burnside said, "Naw, don’t do it now. We'll do that later." R. L. Burnside has a big family and big heart. An additional note... Our interview with R. L. Burnside was recorded in May of 2004. He passed away on September 1, 2005. RIP Rule. Return to "In Depth" a documentary by Max Shores |