Charles Lloyd ft. Guest Host Don Was | Blue Note Records 85th Anniversary Series | Broken Record

Blues Roots

Charles Lloyd reflects on the profound impact of blues musicians from Memphis on his musical journey. He shares how playing with legends like Howlin' Wolf and B.B. King shaped his understanding of music as a powerful form of communication 1. Lloyd recounts how Elvis Presley would frequently visit to watch his bandmate Calvin perform, even adopting some of his moves 2. This rich musical environment, coupled with mentorship from figures like Eric Dolphy, deeply influenced his artistic development 3.

I was moved by how women would throw their panties on the stage and do stuff of surrender, you know, without. And I'm a little kid, you know, I'm not ready for that lane yet.

--- Charles Lloyd

These experiences instilled in him a desire to change the world through music, despite the personal challenges he faced along the way.

   

Cultural Heritage

Charles Lloyd delves into his multicultural ancestry, revealing a tapestry of African, Choctaw, Irish, and Mongolian roots. He shares poignant stories about his ancestors, including his great-grandmother Sally Sunflower White Cloud and the harrowing experiences of his great-great-grandmother Hagar 4. These narratives highlight the historical complexities and injustices faced by his family, fueling his passion for creating healing music.

She was taken at 10 years old from her parents down in Mississippi by a slave owner up in Bolivar, Tennessee, Needham Ingram. And he proceeded to rape on her 10 year old girl.

--- Charles Lloyd

Lloyd also reflects on his time at USC, where he encountered diverse influences and challenges, further shaping his worldview and artistic expression 5.