Music

Q&A with blues singer Little G. Weevil

By Erica Long
Special to The Star

04-17-2008

Hungarian blues singer Little G. Weevil has never had formal guitar or vocal lessons, however he now sings and plays the blues worldwide. When he began his journey into music at 17, he sometimes skipped school to play the guitar and sing.

"It was after I heard 'Hobo Blues' by John Lee Hooker that I knew I was born to play the guitar and sing the blues," Weevil said. "I just knew that was what I wanted to do."

Originally from Hungary, Weevil relocated to the southern part of the United States in 2004. That same year he became the first European blues musician to receive a long-term contract on Beale Street in Memphis.

Weevil has recently released his third album, Southern Experience, in Europe, and it will be available in the U.S. this summer.

Weevil recently took a few moments to tell me about himself and about his passion for the blues.

How did you get the name Little G. Weevil?

Back when I was at home I would just go out each night playing songs with a few guys and I saw this famous blues singer. Well, I continued to go out and I kept seeing this blues singer and he told me, "You're just like a damn weevil, popping up everywhere!" and the name stuck.

What made you begin playing blues?

I didn't even know what (John Lee Hooker) was singing about, but it sounded so good, the guitars and the singing. After I heard it, I knew it was for me.

You didn't understand what Hooker was singing about — so how long did it take you to learn enough English to sing?

It took me about two to three years of continual practice to sing and play the blues well because I did not speak any English when I first heard these blues records.

What do you sing about in your songs?

My experiences. My new album is dedicated to people that I have met in the South. I was living in Birmingham for a little while when I got here and I moved to Memphis. I also write about my love for the South, my relationships and fears.

What brand of guitar are you using today to play on?

I have 1967 and 1968 Chicago-made Kay guitars. They were cheap back then but the sound from them is excellent. I also have a custom hand-made Hungarian guitar.

Do you just listen to blues now?

I listen to American blues, but I also like old-school soul such as Marvin Gaye, Al Green and Johnnie Taylor.

What would you tell artist who want to become as musician as you did?

Practice, practice, practice, and keep practicing. It was not an overnight thing for me as it took me almost three years to learn what I love to do.