This morning it was announced that world famous delta bluesman T-Model Ford is currently in the hospital suffering from a stroke-related ailment.
Update (12:00 PM 05-21-2012):
From Roger Stolle of Cathead Art Gallery: Sadly, T-Model Ford has had another series of small strokes over the past week. He’s currently at a hospital in Greenwood, MS, for tests, according to his wife Miss Stella (yesterday afternoon). Please keep him in your thoughts. If needed, we’ll put together some sort of fundraiser for him later. In the meantime, if anyone wants to send him a card or $, please email me for his Greenville home mailing address ([email protected]). T-Model is one helluva tough dude; he’s bounced back before! As he sings, “Nobody gets me down!”
The celebrated blues guitarist’s Facebook page had this status update early this morning:
Hi All. T-Model Ford is in the hospital currently … more stroke activity. It sounds like this recent trouble is hurting his usual spirit and resiliency. Please send out any and all words, thoughts, and prayers of support for the man … I think he and his family could use it. Thank you kindly. Sincerely, Marty of GravelRoad Seattle
UPDATE: From Gravelroad
Just talked to Stella…T-Model is resting right now, sleeping a lot, but he is able to use his right arm a little bit, and walk carefully with a walker. He has rehab scheduled for tomorrow…Stella mentioned some benefit shows this weekend, possibly in Clarksdale, but she couldn’t recall the details. I told her that people all over the world were aware of T’s health problems and that he (and she) is in many people’s thoughts right now…she really appreciated hearing that and says “Tell everybody Thank You.” More as we know…-SZ
Ford, who’s exact date of birth is unknown but is likely in his late 80s, is one of the Mississippi Delta’s most revered musicians. His unique, truly delta style has been celebrated and enjoyed from blues music fans worldwide. His kind, endearingly mischievous personality is nearly as legendary as his playing.
This is not T-Model Ford’s first heart-related health problem. Having a pacemaker installed five years ago, he also suffered a stroke in 2010, causing difficulty playing, though he never stopped.
Consider sending out thoughts, prayers, and great blues for one of the Delta’s natural sons. T-Model Ford doesn’t have an official Facebook Fanpage, though he has a profile that is being kept up to date with his status.
