In Jazz Journal 1118 there are several references to “Ed Blackwell” in the article, review and advertisement sections. When I recorded Blackwell (with Karl Berger) in 1976, I asked him whether he wanted to appear as “Ed” or “Eddie” on the record – everyone (including his wife) just called him “Blackwell” to his face.
He said “neither” – his name was “Edward”, and he did not like the abbreviations that had been foisted on him since leaving New Orleans. It is sad that no one else apparently asked him this question, and particularly sad that this delightful man and brilliant musician should be remembered by a name he did not like.
Martin Davidson, Cádiar, Granada
