A documentary that looks at the history of the blues through someone who saw its birth will soon be released on DVD. ‘Honeyboy and the History of the Blues‘ looks at the career of David ‘Honeyboy’ Edwards, who passed away in Chicago on August 29, 2011 at the age of 96.

The film features interviews with musicians such as Keith Richards, Joe Perry, Robert Cray, B.B. King and Lucinda Williams talking about the importance of the blues, both on their own work and the history of American popular music. Edwards is also seen performing, in clubs, in a rural setting, and along the Chicago lakefront.

Called “The Last of the Great Mississippi Delta Bluesmen,” Edwards knew many of the early greats, such as Robert Johnson and Charlie Patton. Edwards appeared in the 1991 film, ‘The Search for Robert Johnson,’ and over the years frequently told the story of how he was present the night in 1938 when Johnson was fatally poisoned by a jealous husband.

Edwards moved to Chicago in the 1950s and continued to perform and record up until only a few months before his passing. Edwards won a Grammy Award in 2008 for Best Traditional Blues Album, and in 2010 was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Grammy. His autobiography, ‘The World Don’t Owe Me Nothing,’ was published in 1997.

Watch the Trailer for ‘Honeyboy and the History of the Blues’

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