Smokin' Joe Kubek (1956 - 2015)

SMOKIN' JOE KUBEK  (1956 - 2015)   Acclaimed blues guitarist Smokin' Joe Kubek passed away suddenly on October 11, 2015, in North Carolina. His long-time musical partner Bnois King said, "He loved the blues. He was always very serious about the music and the presentation of the music.  He had a modern style but he really studied those old cats.  And, he would literally give you the shirt off his back.  He was a great friend." Visitation Hours This Sunday, October 18, visitation hours for fans who want to pay their last respects will be from 3-5 pm at Donnelly's Colonial Funeral Home, 606 West Airport Freeway in Irving, Texas (972-579-1313).  The following graveside service will be private, restricted to family and very close friends only. Thanks to Music Cares, The Blues Foundation's HART Fund and The Actors Fund For Everyone, the cost of the funeral expenses and the expense of bringing Joe home will be taken care of in full. Donations Needed Making ends meet is problematic for any full time blues musician, but Joe had been having a difficult time financially recently due to his beloved wife Phyllis’s battle with breast cancer.  He had been staying off the road so he could be home to take care of her. She could always count on Joe to be there for her, but now that he's gone, Phyllis will now be on her own and left without income and plenty of bills to pay.  We're asking the Blues Music Community to donate toward her living expenses and also for prayers and moral support. As tough as this for all of Joe's fans, please consider how this tragic loss is impacting Phyllis. She thanks you for your well wishes.   If anyone wants to make donations to ease the financial stress she will be facing there are three ways fans can contribute: A special Go Fund Me account: https://www.gofundme.com/2q6ek4f4 Through a PayPal account: Click the "Send" tab at the top and use this email: pkubek@tx.rr.com Or a check made out to Phyllis Kubek can be mailed: c/o Piedmont Talent Agency P.O. Box 680006 Charlotte, NC 28216 To see an example of Joe's guitar mastery and his special chemistry with Bnois, here's a video of them performing "Healthy Mama" from their live DVD and CD entitled My Heart's In Texas, which was recorded at J and J's Blues Bar in Fort Worth in 2005.  To watch, please click HERE. For more information visit www.blindpigrecords.com.