The Canadian blues community lost one of its giants at the close of the millennium.  Richard “Hock” Walsh passed away, the victim of a heart attack, on December 31, 1999.

Scheduled to play New Year’s Eve, Hock uncharacteristically didn’t make the gig.  Worried friends found him on New Year’s day, seated comfortably in his easy chair with the TV on, remote in hand.  A quiet end for a man who spent many a night in crowded bars, entertaining his friends. 

And to Hock, everyone in the audience was a friend. Born in Toronto, Richard Walsh discovered blues through his older brother Donny.  While still in their teens the two formed the Downchild Blues Band.  If for naught but longevity, Downchild has long since earned their unofficial moniker as “Canada’s Blues Band.”  But it was Hock’s unique vocal style that brought them their first success.  Somehow conjuring the memory of great blues shouters of a bygone age (Joe Turner, Jimmy Rushing), he never stooped to mere imitation.  He applied his individual stamp to every tune; when Hock sang a song, he owned it!

Hock had turned his attention to writing - both songs and fiction - in recent years.  Blues was in his blood, though, and while he himself loathed the word, he staged something of a comeback (“but I was never away,” he protested) in the late 90’s, working with the Big Daddy G band as a featured guest in revue-style shows, and cutting a trio of tracks (his last recordings) for their debut disc, ‘4 Blues,’ in ‘98.

A true showman, Hock was unfailingly gracious with fans.  And they reciprocated with unabashed admiration; his final shows all had the air of an “event,” and the love (yes, love!) flowing stageward was an almost palpable thing.

He was also held in high esteem by Canada’s blues elite, many of whom gathered for a celebration of his life and music at Toronto’s venerable Horseshoe Tavern on February 6. The lineup (augmented by many a surprise guest) included Gordie Johnson (of Big Sugar), Big Daddy G, The Sidemen, The Rockin’ Highliners, Tyler Yarema & His Rhythm, and Downchild.

An all-star jam to end the evening - a rousing rendition of Hock’s signature tune, ‘Flip, Flop & Fly’ - provided a fitting tribute to the memory of a true musical legend.