Roles in Dr. Zhivago, Lawrence of Arabia and Hidalgo.
Omar Sharrif (two "r's" and two "f's" in Sharriff) was a musician.
Posted on 01/09/2012 8:41:03 PM PST by mnehring
East Texans and blues lovers everywhere are mourning the loss of a Boogie-Woogie icon. Omar Sharriff died Sunday morning in his home in Marshall, Texas. He was called the last living link to that style of blues music. Today, many are celebrating his life and contributions to keep Boogie-Woogie alive.
"He was one of the world's greatest Boogie-Woogie blues piano player, without a doubt," said friend and caretaker, Jack Canson. "He played with all of the greats. You can't name a great blues man he didn't play with... or woman."
Canson also co-manages the Marshall, Texas Boogie Woogie Program. Sharriff was the ambassador for the program. Sharriff was born, Dave Alexander in Shreveport in 1938. He was raised in Marshall where historians say his father helped bring Boogie-Woogie to life. Sharriff later moved to California, playing and venues there and also toured overseas. He returned to Marshall in 2010, when Canson says the program really began.
"He brought the community together like I've never seen before," said Canson. "Young, old, rich, poor, black or white... he just had a way of appealing to everyone."
Sharriff had a steady gig, playing every Thursday and during festivals. But, the joy of playing would quickly fade when he would return home. Canson says Sharriff was battling severe pain due to cardiac and circulation problems.
"He was doing very, very well and was looking like he was in a whole new chapter of his life," said Canson. "But, unfortunately his medical problems just overwhelmed him and he just could not cope with them in the end. We've lost not only a terrific musical artist and a wonderful pianist, but we've also lost a piece of history that cannot be replaced."
Marshall police say Sharriff was found shot dead. But, they say they don't suspect foul play. Sharriff's body has been sent out for an official autopsy. The death is still being investigated.
It is sad to know he probably took his own life.
Some of Omar’s blues. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cs6uCSGnIiQ
I loved him in Dr. Zhivago........oh wait wrong Omar.
I just him up on You Tube. He seemed very talented indeed. May he have God’s mercy and rest in peace.
LOL, he is one of those where in the old blues clubs will down a shot to a hundred years ago. I understand that Slash considered him one of the new Mozarts and the Edge gave a hat tip two on many occasion.
Sad to see him go. Hopefully, a new generation of blues musicians will take up the baton.
..err. a hundred years from now.. not ago... we are already downing a shot to him here...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmokCVLAApI
Love. the. shirt. God Bless Texas.
Thanks, I need to snap a photo of everyone here holding their glasses up.. lots of teary eyes from old rockers.
Omar Sharriff was the Van Cliburn of boogie-woogie.
Van Cliburn was the Floyd Cramer of classical.
Now you are good, albit, Joplin was a bit before Cramer, but they all came from this little ArkLaTex triangle.
Actor
Bridge Player
Musician
Are they one and the same? Two people? Three?
Don't try to lay no Boogie Woogie on the King of Rock and Roll with intro
Roles in Dr. Zhivago, Lawrence of Arabia and Hidalgo.
Omar Sharrif (two "r's" and two "f's" in Sharriff) was a musician.
RIP.
This might be considered "blasphemy' to Omar Sharriff fans but the story made me think of this outstanding cut from John Baldry...
Don't try to lay no Boogie Woogie on the King of Rock and Roll with intro And your mention of Long John Baldry made me think of this from another group of British bluesmen---and it makes Baldry sound like a geriatric . . . (I bet these guys knew who Omar Sharriff was . . . )
He was even better in "Top Secret!"
"You dropped your phony dog poop."
"What phony dog poop?"
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