Big Day for Drink Small

When asked if he ever thought of doing anything else other than playing music, legendarybluesman Drink Small once said, “I didn’t want to cut no hair. I wanted to cut up.” And Drink Small, aka the Blues Doctor, has been doing just that for more than eight decades. On Saturday, Feb. 7, starting at 1 p.m., West Ashley will have a chance to celebrate the life of Drink Small with the man himself.
Born in Bishopville, S.C., Drink Small grew up playing music in and around Lee County. Music was just something that he had in his blood. His mother sang and his father danced and played the accordion. Drink Small started on his uncle’s guitar before the age of 12 and organized his first band (the Six Stars) as a teenager. It was clear at a young age that Small had a unique musical talent — a good feel for the guitar and a voice made for the blues.
In his early years, Small played mainly gospel music and eventually became a singer and guitarist for one of the top rated gospel groups of the time— the Spiritualaires. The band picked Small up after hearing him sing in his church junior choir. The Spiritualaires would go on to tour with Sam Cooke, and play with other legends such as Lou Rawls.
After the Spiritualaires broke up in 1959, Small turned more exclusively to blues. His 1988 album, The Blues Doctor: Live and Outrageous! was nominated for the W.C Handy award.
There’s not a better place in Charleston to celebrate Drink Small’s 82nd birthday than Home Team BBQ, the only dedicated blues bar in the Charleston area. Drink Small will play with Anthony Charles and the Blues Dolphin as his backing band. He will also be available to sign copies of his book, Drink Small: the Life and Times of South Carolina Blues Doctor, which will be for sale at the event. Event tickets can be purchased at charleston.strangertickets.com and cost $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Ticket holders are entitled to some good listening, a slice of cake, and a plate of Lowcountry boil. The first one hundred ticket holders will also receive a Old Guard show print.
The Drink Small Birthday Bash will be held Saturday, Feb. 7, starting at 1 p.m. at Home Team BBQ, located at 1205 Ashley River Road. For more information call 225-7427 or visit hometeambbq.com.