Ed Pearl

[Mike Perlowin RIP]

Ed Pearl, owner of the famous Ash Grove folk music club in Los Angeles. While other clubs presented more commercial acts like the Limelighters and the Smothers Brothers, the Ash Grove presented more traditional and authentic artists like Bill Monroe, Doc Watson, Muddy Waters, Flatt and Scruggs, Reverend Gary Davis, Howlin' Wolf, Merle Travis, Mother Maybelle Carter and hundreds of others.

I was fortunate enough to hang out there. They gave guitar lessons too, and one of my teachers was Clarence White.

It was an incredible scene. Even at the time I knew I was privileged to be there and see it all. In retrospect, I'm blown away that it even existed.

R.I.P. Ed. The world is a better place because you passed through it.