Remembering those we recently lost
David Lewis planted a tree in their memory
A journey through significant moments.
Paul Geremia, a third-generation Italian-American, was born in Providence, Rhode Island.
Geremia started teaching himself harmonica around age 12 and took up the guitar by 1959, inspired by early blues recordings and literature.
His first album, 'Just Enough,' was released on Folkways Records, establishing him as a significant voice in acoustic blues.
Geremia played a crucial role in arranging performances for blues legend Pink Anderson, helping to bring him back into the spotlight.
Geremia expanded his reach by regularly performing across Europe, sharing his traditional blues with international audiences.
His rendition of Fred McDowell's 'Get Right Church' earned him a Grammy Award nomination for the album 'Preachin' the Blues: The Music of Mississippi Fred McDowell'.
Geremia was honored for his contributions to music with an induction into the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame.
A severe stroke ended his performing career, though his musical legacy continued through his recordings.
Paul Geremia passed away at the age of 81.
