I took a side trip today up to Tarpon Springs to buy a pair of vintage Ray-Ban Olympian sunglasses (I’ve been after a pair for a while). I have fond memories of when my friend Greg Laxton brought me here in 2019 for a Greek lunch, and to meet legendary bluesman and Sun recording artist Billy “The Kid” Emerson. Billy was in his mid-nineties at the time and has since passed away, but what a memorable experience it was!
He was friendly at first, then he got mad and threw us out of his house. Before we got in the car to leave, I asked him if he would consider signing my original Sun 45s that I brought with me. His demeanor changed entirely, he was all smiles again. He signed my records and took photos with us. Then we left before another turnaround of turmoil. Rest in peace, Mr. Emerson.
I really dig Florida. It’s such a weird place, with lots of old buildings and tons of history. The whole history of Tarpon Springs is very interesting. It’s a place where they became world famous for harvesting natural sponges, and in the 1930s they were the largest exporter of sponges in the world. Today it still happens, you get the kids diving for sponges and the Greek fisherman selling them off the sides of their boats. It’s mostly Greeks and African Americans who founded the town, and there are still tons of Greek restaurants frequented by the tourists. I had some delicious homemade hummus and pita bread for lunch.
See more photos (including from the 2019 Emerson visit) at Deke’s original Facebook post!
