Struggle and hardship are common themes to Blues music, but for Guitar Red, a self -taught singer and guitarist who has endured homelessness and addiction, those themes have been all too familiar.  Fortunately, his humor and dedication to his music have helped him through difficult times, and now with the help of Backspace Records, Guitar Red has recorded his first album and looks towards a brighter future. I’ve long been a huge fan of the blues, and Guitar Red’s music is really worth a listen.  I highly recommend you check out his MySpace page and order a copy of his album, Lightnin’ In A Bottle. Kim Rowell, co-director of Backspace Records, kindly took the time to answer a few questions about working with Guitar Red and what he has to teach us about the healing power of music.

What has working Guitar Red taught you about the redemptive and healing power of music?

I see Guitar Red in all of his various “states,” if you will.  I see him when he is happy as a human can be, and I see him when he is as low as one can even imagine getting— but when I see him play music, I see a human at such peace with who he is, what the world is, and his faith in his God.  When Red plays, it is like he is freed from all of the hurt, anger and pain.  When Red is playing one of his “God songs,” as he calls them, he is in a world that anyone would want to be in. Watching him play gives me hope that things can turn out okay for him, and if they do not, I take comfort knowing he has that world to escape to—assuming he has a guitar to play.  I always knew music to be an escape from “the real world” for just a little while for my husband, but meeting Red put the power of music into a whole new perspective for me.

What can Guitar Red’s story teach other people who are homeless or facing difficult circumstances?

I think Red would say that it would teach you that faith can get you through anything. That is just my hunch. I think Red’s story teaches people that no matter how bad it gets there is always someone willing to help. It may not always feel that way, but there is someone always willing to help. Someone in need of help, however, must be willing to accept the type of help offered.

What type of programs would you like to see in schools and communities to help people learn more about music?

I would like to see music programs centered on what students know, and use that knowledge as a springboard to bring people together. Whatever music may be close to home, why not build on that to get kids involved in music?  Here is what I mean: Maybe a certain community is into country music and another is into urban music.  Wouldn’t lessons based on those interests be so much fun for kids to partake in?  Then, the respective communities could share what they learned with the other community and engage in dialogue through music. I would also love for young people to learn about how music touches people’s lives, like Red’s, and not just the fundamentals of learning an instrument, or reading music. Yes, those aspects are crucial, but wouldn’t the love of music be fostered by learning from real world experiences? There is much that can be done through music.

Have you noticed changes in peoples’ attitudes about homelessness after meeting or hearing Guitar Red?  Has your own perspective changed?

That is a good question.  The Guitar Red in this video evokes a lot of shock from people:

People always tell me they had no idea he was so smart, insightful. The people that see him play are in awe of his talent.  Those same people ask me, “Why is he still homeless?” The answer is so complicated and at that point, I am not sure my conversations are still two-sided. I feel like I am just talking…and talking… My perspective has most certainly changed, or maybe I should say, formed.  I am not sure what my perspective was when we decided, “Let’s make Guitar Red a record.”  We just did it. Now I know that homelessness is so much more than a money issue—so, so much more.  I also know that there is only so much I can do to help fix the problem, but I can do everything that I can and hope for the best!

What advice would you give to people who are looking to TakePart with the homeless in their community?

I would tell them to do anything and everything they can to help, but to be ready for the unexpected!!!!  What happens when you try to help is not always predictable, but knowing you are making a difference, one step at a time, is priceless!