Curtis, Rodney and Me

Randy Leonard

Last month I wrote a piece here on Portland's Rhythm and Blues artist, Curtis Salgado.

In that post, I explained how my life long friend, Rodney Smith, and I tracked down Curtis playing at the old Dandelion Pub in NW Portland to autograph my copy of Curtis's first CD release in 1991.

As a result of that post organizers of Portland's Waterfront Blues Festival asked me if I would like to introduce Curtis to the Blues Festival crowd on July 3rd. I was humbled by the request and was thrilled beyond words to be asked.

Of course, I took Rodney "Bubba" Smith with me up on the stage to introduce Curtis. It was by far the largest crowd (I overheard someone say there was about 10,000 people in attendance) I have ever spoke to.

Although Curtis is battling liver cancer his performance was, as always, riveting.

This picture of me, Curtis and Rodney is now one of my most prized possessions.

If you have not done so, please go to your favorite music store and buy whatever Curtis Salgado CD they have. It is the best music ever to come out of Portland and it will help Curtis get the medical treatment he needs.

Thank you, BlueOregon readers.

By Randy Leonard July 15, 2006