A few people I have known who've worked in the business have said that, personality-wise, there's two Buddy Guys. Buddy Pre-Courvosier, and Buddy Post-Courvosier. The Post-Courvosier is much more likable, I'm told.

I bought him a cognac once when I saw him at the Lonestar in NYC (1987). He seemed pretty nice from the get-go but who knows - maybe he was already slightly greased. I've read that Gatemouth was even more cantankerous but the times I saw him, he was the picture of geniality.

Well, they both made some extraordinary music. (and hey, I'd be nice to somebody buying me a cognac, too).

I saw Gatemouth, rail thin and all dressed in black, on a double bill with Dr. John in Osaka a few years ago. That was some good rockin' fun, and to hear him play the fiddle in his own way -- something I hadn't heard before and haven't heard since -- was astonishing and thrilling. Gate did almost the whole show standing up, in contrast to BB King who sat for most of his show and just stood up at the end to play "The Thrill is Gone."