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John Cephas leaves on a high note
Friends and family celebrate the life of local bluesman John CephasDate published: 3/22/2009 BY JONAS BEALS He was concealed in a casket draped in an American flag, but "Bowling Green" John Cephas had the last word at his own memorial. The service ended with a recorded version of the legendary bluesman singing "Jesus Is Mine." Cephas was known around the world as a leading practitioner of piedmont blues guitar, a style unique to the foothills of the mid-Atlantic states. He died March 4 at age 78 and will be buried Wednesday at 10 a.m. in Quantico National Cemetery. His life was celebrated yesterday at the Caroline County Community Center in Bowling Green, his hometown. The service featured friends and family members offering praise through words and music. Caroline Supervisor Floyd Thomas acted as emcee, and read a Board of Supervisors resolution recognizing Cephas' life and accomplishments. "He was a local legend," Thomas said. "That is how we liked to think of him. But he was really a national legend." Cephas was appreciated by many for sharing his knowledge and his gift. By all accounts, he wanted the music to live on long after he was gone. Jeffrey Scott of Culpeper County is a Cephas protege. He performed a few songs at the service. "He would encourage young people to carry on this music," Scott said. "I'm blessed, I'm excited and I'm sad. I'm just happy to have had Mr. Cephas in my life." Scott proceeded to play a solo rendition of "Just a Closer Walk With Thee." Gregg Kimball, a director at the Library of Virginia, called Cephas "the last of the great piedmont blues players." That category includes traditional blues heroes who came before Cephas such as Reverend Gary Davis and Blind Boy Fuller. Aside from putting him in rare company, his talent earned a number of accolades and awards. He received a National Heritage Fellowship--the highest honor that the United States bestows on folk artists. In February, Cephas won the African-American Trailblazers Award, presented by the Virginia History Association. Cephas spent much of his career playing in the duo Cephas and Wiggins alongside harmonica player Phil Wiggins. They released 13 albums together, toured around the world and even played at the White House. Their music has great appeal, and not only in traditional blues circles. "I love my dad and I will miss him," said daughter Yolanda Johnson. "He saw no limits." Cephas proved that with his multifaceted professional career. He was an electrical worker, a master carpenter, a fisherman and a Korean War veteran, but it was his music that touched countless people and made him a guiding light of traditional blues. "The blues has a way of reaching into the hearts of all mankind," the Rev. Joseph Henderson said during the service. Judging by the reactions of the people in the crowd, Cephas did just that. His fans believe that will continue. "As long as people have ears on the side of their heads," harmonica player Earl Privett said, "they're going to listen to the music of Mr. John Cephas." Jonas Beals: 540/368-5036
Read more stories about Caroline Date published: 3/22/2009
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