Paul Pena
Paul Pena (born January 26, 1950 in Hyannis , Massachusetts , † October 1, 2005 in San Francisco , California ) was an American blues musician.
Life
The blues musician Paul Pena, who was blind from childhood due to glaucoma , became internationally known for the Oscar- nominated documentary Genghis Blues ( Roko Belic , 1999 ). Because of his extremely deep voice he was also called "Earthquake". He mastered the art of singing Khöömej ( overtone singing ) and was a master of Kargyraa ( undertone singing ). 1995 he won the international Khöömej competition in Kyzyl , Tuva , the audience award. He wrote the hit "Jet Airliner" with which the Steve Miller Band landed a hit. His fame gained through the documentary meant that his 1973 album "New Train" was finally released on CD on September 26, 2000. On this album played among others Jerry García , Merle Saunders and The Persuasions as guest musicians. In his youth Paul learned the piano, guitar, double bass, violin and a little trumpet. He played and sang popular jazz and Cape Verdean ballads with his father, a professional jazz musician. Paul later played with many greats of the blues, John Lee Hooker , BB King , Muddy Waters , Mississippi Fred McDowell , Big Bones and T-Bone Walker .
Web links
| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Pena, Paul |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | American blues musician |
| DATE OF BIRTH | January 26, 1950 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Hyannis , Massachusetts |
| DATE OF DEATH | October 1, 2005 |
| Place of death | San Francisco , California |