[Harp-L] Re: was Sonny Terry/now JC Burris

[Tom Ball <havaball@xxxxxxx>]

Paul is correct, JC's main doll was named "Mr. Jack."  But later he 
carved a bunch of other ones, which he called "The Jacks Family."  He 
would carve these dolls from wood and paint them himself, very 
colorfully.  The 'adult' dolls were a couple feet tall, the Jacks 
'kids' being somewhat smaller. The appendages were all on swivel 
hinges so that JC could cause them to tap dance in rhythm to the 
music. He also did great knee-slapping hambone and played excellent 
bones. It was a great act.

I remember one time about 30 years ago we did a show with JC at The 
Presidio in SF.  Aside from being on the bill I was also a JC fan, 
and I happened to notice that he had a large stack of head-shot promo 
8x10's that had been supplied by Arhoolie (the label he was with at 
the time.)  He was happily signing these and giving them away, so I 
asked if he'd sign one for me. So he skipped over the stack of 
photos, reached into a battered tweed suitcase and pulled out an 
official promo 8x10 of the Jacks Family -- no JC Burris in the shot, 
just the dolls. He signed it, "Mr. Jack." (not JC Burris,) and 
presented it to me with a triumphant grin.  I didn't know whether to 
be honored or disappointed.  :)   Still don't.

cheers,
Tom Ball
http://www.tomball.us
http://www.tomballkennysultan.com