A SMALL AND LOVING TRIBUTE PAGE TO EDDIE HAZEL - LEGENDARY GUITARIST, SONGWRITER AND VOCALIST ROCK N ROLL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE 1997 - ALSO LISTED AS One of the "WORLD'S TOP 100 GREATEST GUITARISTS OF ALL TIME" Written by (Rolling Stone and SPIN Magazines), et al.
EDWARD EARL HAZEL
1950-1992
(April 10, 1950 - December 23, 1992)
Date of Marriage to his Wife/Widow, Brenda Inez Hazel
June 3, 1985
Marriage License & Marriage Certificate: No: ML8502657
U.S. Magistrate's Office Alexandria Courthouse
Alexandria,Virginia 22314
(Marriage records can also be found at the
Bureau of Vital Statistics, Richmond,Virginia)
Eddie and I were separated for approximately "two (2) years" before his untimely death; not"six (6) years" as someone has erroneously stated on the Internet; however, we stayed in contact and visited each other, even....
Eddie has one full brother, "Clyde" who lives in New York and one half brother, "Sonny" who is or was residing in Sumpter, S.C.
"REST IN PEACE"
“When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace". By Abraham Lincoln and Jimi Hendrix.
Photo of me when I met Eddie in the 70s. (What a difference the years make), huh? lol Growing Old is Great!
No, we don't proclaim to have all the whistles, bells, graphics and lots of music here, nor is there a lot to read, see or hear, but it is certainly more personable, positive and the wonderful peacefulness at this little tribute page for Eddie Hazel is pure and from the heart, with lots of love. This tribute page is "REAL". No, we're not at all fancy; quite frankly, neither was Eddie Hazel. Sometimes,"less is more".
I wish to thank so many of you who visit here, who send so very many positive comments. I agree with several of your warm and kind words, "this is exactly how it should be for Eddie, peaceful, quiet, sweet and very simple". Eddie was a very earthy man who loved nature and all people in it. Eddie was a black man with some "Cherokee" Indian running through his veins. His Mother, Grace was half-Cherokee Native American and half-Black. Eddie's father, Ed was a black man as well. Eddie was a very proud man to be a "black" (People used to say to us how great he and I looked together. I too am a black woman, my grandmother from my Dad's side of the family are Black Foot Native Indians, My Dad's father, was a Caucasian man, (my Grand Father Busta.) My mother who is a black woman with Native Indian Blood running through her veins, Her mother, (my grandmother's name was "Hopeful Goldenbridge"; this name was chosen for her by her Native Indian Tribe, after her mother had had two still-born before my Grandmother was born.
BILLY BASS NELSON
LONGTIME FRIEND TO EDDIE
Eddie's friend; who was like a brother to Eddie from childhood, throughout their adulthood and their music careers; namely, Billy Bass Nelson. Eddie's mom gave Billy Eddie's Guitar after his death; Billy deserved it, he and Eddie were like real blood-brothers, although they were somewhat combative at times, but the two of them loved each other so very much and from the heart and everyone knew this. Billy Bass is surely one person who has shared and knows all about his longtime friend, Eddie. Billy Bass was the first person Eddie introduced me to as soon as he and I arrived and moved to Plainfield, NJ in the 80s to live temporarily with Eddie's mom on 4th Street, the next persons whom I met were Kevin and Gloria Goins, Bernie Worrell, Michael Hampton, then of course there was Billy Spruille and Neil Knox in Plainfield. The year Eddie and I met each other (in the early 70s), Tiki Fulwood, came to visit us right before a scheduled gig in D.C.
Below are quotes from some of Eddie's associates, friends and loved ones, his legacy will live on through his music and memories....
"Funk On Eddie"
~ GEORGE CLINTON ~
"Eddie was the most soulful musician ever and whenever he opo a string he'd turn it into line and go fishing."
~ ALEX CAMPBELL - PTHEORY-UNITED KINGDOM~
"I don’t think i have told this story to many. When I first joined P Funk in 85- 86 I had to learn the whole show from a cassette and go strait to the gig in Germany. It was a Festival, I always stood next to Eddie Hazel Stage Left. He was a big Star for me. Everything seemed to be chaos at first after all 16 17 cats on stage can SEEM that way to some. Eddie showed me where I fit in and the place to lock my Funk into play. He taught me to Listen ! Fall into the whole and swing O thangs. He would say Gallien as in Gallien Crugar (Amp's) Stick it like this ! (smilin) And dammmn could he stick it I believe Eddie could stick a elephant in a Dammn Lion's cage Sheeeit ! I truly love and Miss Eddie Hazel The Baddest Guitar Player I have ever met".
~ AMP FIDDLA ~
"He was relentless in his pursuit of happiness. Be it a smile or laughter, he went for it hard & insisted that you join him. He didn't want to leave anybody out of the fun. His spirit was contagious, his heart was huge. I miss my 'bruddah'."
~ GREG BOYER ~
"How do you say what Eddie Hazel means to you in a few lines? I was so mad when Eddie passed away. My Uncle...my guide...my hero...and prolly my best friend. His music has soothed a million aches, and turned many a grey day around for me. I had so much desire to meet him and study at his feet....but alas...I arrived too late. I at LEAST got to hear many wonderful stories about Eddie and his LOVE OF LIFE!! The world is in debt to this wonderful soul that came to give us all such amazing music!"
~CITRUS ~
"Not only did I get to see one of the greatest guitarist in the WORLD Perform. I also had the pleasure of seeing him work his majic in the studio MANY TIMES. One of the coolest human beings I have ever met !!!!! I miss him !!!!!!!! Thank you for this page !!!!!!!!!"
~ BBMc ~
"BIG BIG love and respect to my biggest guitar hero till this day.!"
~EL TORRO ~
"Eddie loved to go fishing and asked me a couple times to go with him and Billy Bass to (PCP) Pacific Coast Highway, and I said, "Fishing? Worms? Ugh? Me? Sorry, I can't go - I don't have no fishing pole." And I thought that was the end of it. On my birthday he bought me a brand new fishing pole, laughed and said, "Now you don't have no excuse." Eddie was a gem - my friend and my brother. I miss his silly laugh, his music and his kind and giving spirit. "HE WAS THE GREATEST - FUNKIEST SANGINGIST GUITARIST ON MOTHER EARTH."
~ DAWN SILVA ~
"He was My Friend......."
~ MICHAEL CLIP PAYNE ~
"Lovin you and your big old heart. forever funkin !!"
~Lige Curry ~
"Eddie was a good friend to me and my brothers especially Frankie, when Frankie got killed in Vietnam, Eddie and them were out on the road and he sent a sympathy card to us, in the card he sent a guitar pick which he wrote the word LOVE on it, Eddie learned a lot from Frankie and when they went out on the road with George and them we were so proud that some Plainfield Brothers had finally hit the big time, I don't know what happened to the pick because things were so devastating during that time, I would LOVE to know what happened to the card and especially the pick, Eddie was a Brother to us. We Love Him."
~ Richard Boyce - The Boyce Brothers ~
"Eddie is the sound of Funkadelic, he along with Billy Bass was able to capture rock and rolled it into his soul and funked it all up, then what came out was 300% Pure Funkadelic. You can feel all the power's of the Universe even now when you listen to his songs. Yep, Eddie could get silly on you just like I could, but his music was his life and still is."
~ Bootsy Collins and All the Funkateers~!!
"They called him Smedly cause he could be goofy, loose and greasy as his playing and boy he could dance. Like Boot said, "he WAS the sound of Funakdelic!". When we sat and fished down town on the Potomac River, we'd be talking and would eventually end up talking about groove's and songs. I loved the way his whole body would git into his playing. His breathing would go into a rhythmic pattern, like a jogger's would and he's be hummin' and spittin' and just playing to his own drummer inside him... I truly miss him and was just floored when he finally told me "yea, yooz a Funkadelic! you can play with us!" Boogie too. Boog, Gary, Tal, Billy B, Bernie.. Eddie is in me and I will always cherish my time with him."
~ El Torro Gamble-Washington DC ~
"Fly-On Eddie!"
~ The Official Funkadelic Tribute ~
"Eddie Hazel to me, is one of the most underrated Guitarists of all-time. With his signature tone and beautiful vocals, the music world is indeed missing a true original! I never got the chance to meet Eddie, I would attend many shows and always ask folks backstage, where Eddie was and that i'd love the chance to sit and talk music with him. Sadly Eddie passed in 1992, never able to meet Eddie was great sadness for me. "If there's a Rock and Roll Heaven, ya know they got a helluva band!" (Eddie's on Lead Guitar and Vocals)"
~ Open Our Eyes ... Funkateer Ralphadelic ~
"Discovering the music of Funkadelic was a defining point in my teenage years. "Hardcore Jollies" turned me upside down on the first listen and "Maggot Brain" did me in for good. My mother just about went insane from listening to me play along with those records for months on end. Eddie Hazel is at the very top of my short list of guitar gods, I was fortunate enough to see him play and it was a life changing experience. The only cds I bring on tour are Funkadelic and Hendrix."
~Mickey Melchiondo (Dean Ween)~
"I met Eddie in LA when I was a kid, Eddie loved kids. I was 13 years old when he would come by my moms house, a lot of musicians came by the house but me and Eddie would sit on the floor and play for hours. I guess it just rubbed off on me but a lot of musicians would not take the time out to show a kid anything but Eddie did and I will always be grateful. God bless you always Eddie Hazel."
~ Stevie Pannell ~
"Eddie's "Maggot Brain" woke me out of a dream... and I spent the rest of my life trying to get that sound. I'll never forget the show I did with him at CBGB's shortly before his passing. He is easily the most influential guitarist in my life."
~Rene Akan ~
Eddie Hazel, gone, but certainly not forgotten. Forever loved by so very very many.
I am so very blessed to come to know some of his longtime wonderful friends who still stand by, showing only concern, love, respect and continued support at anytime since Eddie's demise. I love you all my, "BROTHAS"and "SISTAHS". I've recently met another longtime friend of my late husband; this too is a blessing;; so many truly loved him and many still do.
Anybody who really knew Eddie, already know he always had a confidant, special friend and mentor, whom he loved until his last breath. This wonderful person still loves Eddie and is always there for me, no matter what I might be going through, as he promised Eddie he would look out for me; Eddie made this request of him to make sure I am always okay. This man, Eddie's longtime friend, confidant and mentor is a real GEM and yes a true friend; always behind the scenes, never negative, always with respect to me. (I am so blessed to be the successor of such a wonderful friend.) This wonderful gentleman, was always there as the "peacemaker", during our troublesome times before and after our marriage; he has never changed, he is still the same wonderful person Eddie looked up to and loved so very much. Somehow, Eddie always knew he would never live to reach the age of Fifty (50). He stated this for years, but I as well as others only thought he was just talking, little did I know, somehow, and strangely enough, he knew he would only be on this earth for a very short time.
A photo shot of me "now", what a difference the years make. lol
Eddie also almost, always demanded and commanded a reserved, polite and a softly speaking mate; ( he was sometimes described, even, as one who expected the ladies to become subservient to him, that is who he was and it was cool with me); regardless of the fact as to how he was often known, viewed and often misunderstood by many to be wild and crazy acting ; however wild and crazy acting he might have seemed to some; he had a 'big ole heart.' That was just Eddie. Eddie was indeed a man about God; he loved going to Church to fellowship and we often attended various Churches to fellowship, sometimes with his family and other times with his or my family and friends.
Many people knew and still know of his multi-extraordinary talents, he was one helluva artist, guitarist, drummer, keyboard-player, songwriter, he was very sensitive, filled with lots of joy and pain and unpleasant memories, although he suffered silently, yet tremendously from many things which happened to him in his younger years and even things which transpired in his later life, it is truly sad what he really went through....., he was still very compassionate, had a very kind heart and was a serious fisherman. Fishing was his very favorite passion and he often said fishing was extremely therapeutic for him), (we often fished with his 'half-brother', Sonny and Sonny's wife at that time, Claire. (Eddie and I fished with many people, family and friends in various places, he actually taught me how to fish; when I am able to, I still go fishing occasionally.) Eddie's half-brother, Sonny now lives in Sumpter, South Carolina. Before Sonny moved to Sumpter, SC, Sonny and his family all lived in New York for many many years. Sonny and wife, Claire and daughters would often drive down from New York to Plainfield,NJ spend time with all of us, when he was not working on the weekends..
Eddie's favorite ladies in his life were his "Grandma Bessie", his First Cousin, Frances Billingsly, his late, half-sister "Tootie", (Grace).
Eddie and his Mom
Eddie's First Cousin, Marion and his Mom
Eddie's first Cousin, Marion; Marion's then husband "Jeff" and his "Aunt Lil and of course his mom were all dear to his heart and he was very special to all of his family. He also loved his second cousins, Daryll and Eric. Eddie, Daryll and Eric all became closer after Daryll and Eric were both grown, they sometimes practiced and all jammed together when they would get together, either in Flat Bush, NY and Long Island, as well. Eddie's Second Cousin, Daryll Bell eventually left the Long Island, NY area to marry again and relocated to Florida. Daryll was the perfect host to Eddie and I when we lived with him in Long Island, NY in the 80s. Eddie and I used to say, as long as Daryll lives, his mother, Frances will be here forever. Daryll is the spitting image of his wonderful, sweet and late mother.
Eddie's Aunt Lil
Eddie's Second Cousin, Daryll Bell
PS: The CD "AT HOME WITH FAMILY" WAS PRODUCED BY DARYLL BELL, (EDDIE'S SECOND COUSIN) AND RELEASED BY ME IN 2005 OR 2006; IT HAS NOT SOLD VERY MANY COPIES, SIMPLY BECAUSE IT IS A RAW, "UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL" CD, NOT PROFESSIONALLY DONE AS STATED BY SOME.... THE CD IS SIMPLY FOR THE REAL EDDIE HAZEL FANS WHO CAN ACTUALLY LISTEN TO EDDIE AND FAMILY, TALKING, HIS FAMOUS LAUGHTER AND JAMMING A BIT WITH CLOSE FAMILY MEMBERS ONLY "AT HOME". DARYLL DID A WONDERFUL JOB IN PUTTING THIS CD TOGETHER. I AM FOREVER GRATEFUL, PROBABLY MORE THAN DARYLL REALIZES. THANK YOU DARYLL.
I ALSO HAVE A BEAUTIFUL PICTURE OF DARYLL AND HIS BROTHER ERIC SOMEWHERE, STANDING TOGETHER AMONG MY MANY PHOTOS, (A VERY OLD PICTURE OF THEM TOGETHER); ONE DAY I WILL FIND THIS PICTURE AND DOWNLOAD IT TO THIS PAGE AS WELL; IT IS A GREAT SHOT OF DARYLL AND ERIC TOGETHER IN THEIR YOUNGER YEARS, DARYLL SENT THE PICTURE TO ME. I AM DETERMINED TO FIND IT.
Daryll and Eric adored Eddie, but it was Daryll's Mom, Frances who was like a mother to Eddie, (in Frances mind, Eddie could do no wrong, she was always there for him, no matter what and everyone respected her; her decisions, opinions and loved her dearly, Eddie truly loved his Cousin Frances just as much. May God Bless Frances sweet soul and strong personality. (On another note, Frances was one of the best cooks in the world to me and Eddie, plus she used to make a great non-alcoholic drink, that no one could make but her; I am still trying to get that flavor and ingredients right; it just doesn't taste as good as the wonderful family drink Frances made. (Everyone, who had a taste of her "Pure Healthy Great Tasting Frances Specialty" could never get enough, smiles).
Eddie and I resided, where we met in Washington, D.C., at Marbury Plaza in the 70s. Years later, when he and I became husband and wife, we lived on Capitol Hill on G Street, SE; then moved to Southwest Washington, near the Waterfront, (where Eddie's great friend, "Mudbone", Greg Boyer, Greg Thomas, El Torro, Boogie, family as well as another well known. Let's not forget Rod Plummer; a longtime friend and NY Attorney for Eddie all visited us; (Rod still maintains a photo of his friend, Eddie on his office wall, even to date), Rod even came to Washington, D.C., to visit with me after Eddie's untimely demise. Eddie and I also resided and moved to Takoma Park, Maryland; (some used to say we were like gypsies, lol). We also lived in Hillsboro, NJ as well as Plainfield,NJ, with his mom. Eddie and I moved on and lived in Long Island, NY in the 80s for a good while; he and I resided with his favorite Cousin Frances and her husband Thomas; we eventually moved in with Daryll and Daryll's wife at that time), until we were able to find an apartment in Masapequa Park-Long Island, NY; I was very fortunate to land another fantastic job at a very prestigious law office in Garden City, NY, traveling "SUNRISE HIGHWAY" each day to get to work in Garden City, NY.
.
Eddie vowed to everyone, including his own family he would "NEVER MARRY", but when he met me, he knew and everyone he knew also knew we would evidentially get married; we were "soul-mates" he used to say to me. Our long-term relationship, courtship was seemingly and often deemed as somewhat tumultuous, but we truly loved one another. I was never on the scenes, very reserved, sorta wet behind the ears for a longtime, but that soon changed, lol. I was really never interested in going to the shows or trying to follow him while he was on the road working ; to tell you the truth, that was what he liked so very much about me. I was never an "in your face" type of woman, nor was I ever interested in meeting or being around all of his friends, however, all of the guys knew Eddie had a wife at home, many of them met me; some even came to our homes, but they were not allowed to sit around to chit chat with me for long periods; those were "the house rules" of Eddie Hazel, 'At Home', smiles". I would fly in only occasionally; stay in the hotels, go to dinner and/or shop while only a couple of the band members who knew I was in town. The theory was why would I want to follow him to his workplaces; I wouldn't want him at my workplace; it was a matter of respect for each other while working . He had and did his job; just as I had and did my job.
Life is a beautiful thing; just look around Everyday! I will reunite with him in Heaven as well as with my wonderful late father, grandmothers, grandfathers, and a special little angel, (my little granddaughter), two little nephews and a beautiful little niece as well as many other close family members and loved ones when it's my time.
Many of you have written and telephoned me to request that I rejoin the social networks again. (I thank you for the gesture, invitations and suggestions). No, I've had enough already regarding the Social Networks. I can't and don't spend a lot of time at any Internet site, (I am off and on this Website for my company here at LEZAH ENTERTAINMENT GROUP SERVICES, instead. I am especially not a frequent browser at any of the social networks. I have had very bad experiences at some of the social networks; cyberbullying, malicious, vicious attacks and many unkind things written about me by a 'handful' of women; some of the things written even placed and exposed me to dangerous elements around the world.... I would never do such a thing to anyone; not even to my worst enemy. I simply cannot and will not be stressed out again; I therefore do not wish to be a part of Social Networking Sites EVER; it is entirely too stressful for me, lots of gibberish, hatred, abuse and madness between some grown-folks. (I guess I've got it all wrong; I somehow thought "Social Networking" was just that, "social networking", and not a place to fight, spy, pry and humiliate others as well as other cruel and unkind things at some of the "social networking websites.) Besides, I am not interested in becoming an Internet Junkie as so many of us older people have already become. SMILES! I do have a real life and my own very serious personal issues to deal with on a constant and daily basis. Please continue to drop by to enjoy our website entertainment, tid-bits of news and updates. at the other pages as well. It is extremely wonderful to be able to read so many of the wonderful, inspirational and kind e-mails so very many of you send from around the entire world; even places and some Countries I have only recently learned about. Thank you.
I love everyone, including those who despise me, it's okay, simply because the hatred is in your souls, not mine. They talked and ridiculed Jesus Christ as well, so I don't worry about the hate anymore. When the gibberish, daggers and lies all stop and there is no more talk regarding me, then I guess I will then worry a bit. The hatred is really not my problem to solve nor will I consume my life worrying about the hateful and mean things said about me by people who have never met me and have obviously formed such negative and unfair opinions of me. I can only pray for those who hate and try to keep my own life moving, "It is what it is"..... (There is already an overwhelming amount of hatred and entirely too much hate in this Great Old World and all around the World, I will not partake or be a part of this negative energy, no matter what lies are told regarding me. In the very 'END' we all must answer to God. Just as God forgives, so do I; however, I am now very cautious and extremely careful, it is certainly sometimes difficult to forgive, but I have. I hold no grudges against anyone who continues to spread lies, (half-truths), and say and do mean things pertaining to me. God Bless all of those who do. We are all sisters and brothers and children of God and God knows everything about us all. Who are we to judge anyway, right?
There are soooooooooo many many bios written about Eddie, (all over the Internet),; most of them are pretty generic and often repetitive and somewhat redundant); but I must say and also compliment "Alex Campbell", from across the Pond; not one of the other bios written by the others are as well written and great as the bio composed by Alex Campbell wrote. Alex recently modified the bio a bit; great job Alex!. Thank you Alex, your writing skills are almost perfect. I am very pleased as we have already discussed.
Continued Blessings to all,
Brenda Hazel, Widow of
Eddie Hazel
(Another wonderful quote and saying Eddie Hazel absolutely loved)
He who knows not, and knows not that he knows not, is a fool.
"-Shun him"
He who knows not, and knows that he knows not, is a child.
"-Teach him"
He who knows, and knows not that he knows, is asleep.
"-Wake him"
He who knows, and knows that he knows, is a leader.
"-Follow him"
