Music Man

MUSIC MAN

CALLAGHAN DESCRIBES IN Barrelhouse Kings that when he was a child his mother used to dance with him of an afternoon, holding him in her arms. She was something of an aficionado of Black swing music, and Callaghan grew up singing the songs of Cootie Williams, and Jimmy Rushing. In 1959, at a Black dance hall, known as the Porter’s Hall, Callaghan met his lifelong friend and future accompanist, Doug Richardson. In 1961, he met and established a long term relationship with Brownie McGhee and Sonny Terry, among other great Blues musicians.

In 1966 working with the now legendary producer, Paddy Sampson, he brought The Blues to CBC Television, a program now regarded as unique in Blues broadcasting history. In 1967, he met in Mexico City the tenor saxophonist Bud Freeman, beginning their long relationship.

In the late 1970s he first met the great Blues singer, Jimmy Witherspoon, but it was not until the late 80s that their relationship became close, lasting until Witherspoon died in 1997.

Callaghan has been known, when provoked, to sing on public occasions.