The Face of Music – A 2014 “look back” at the personal comeback of Edsel Blevins, banjo picker and endearing friend to all

By: Eugenia Jones

Just like the trusty Timex watch he has worn on his wrist for years, seventy-six year old Edsel Blevins proved, in 2014, that he too can “take a lickin’ and keep on tickin’.”  After a rough year of recovery from illness, surgery, and adapting to major changes in his personal life, Edsel is once again tickin’ right along by doing what he does best-making friends, sharing his own special blend of stories and jokes, and making music, Pop Stoneman style, with his banjo.

Edsel, a former Smithtown Elementary custodian and talented banjo picker who played at the Big South Fork Scenic Railway and at various churches, benefits, and social functions throughout the area, is the only child of the late Birdell and Zona Kidd Blevins to survive past the age of one month.  Having spent his childhood on Peter’s Mountain and in the Cherokee community at Rattlesnake Ridge, Edsel never married or had children, but instead devoted his life to his parents until their passings.  He became known throughout the community for his friendly smile, kind heart, willingness to help others, banjo picking, and unlimited passion for feeding and caring for abandoned four legged creatures.  He was recognized in 2010 when local government officials proclaimed an official “Edsel Blevins Week.”  The proclamation honored Edsel for portraying the true meaning of friendship and for his many contributions in the areas of music, education, and citizenship.    Edsel was also declared a Kentucky Colonel by Governor Wallace Wilkinson and Governor Steve Beshear,

Earlier this year, after not feeling well for quite some time, life as Edsel knew it came to screeching halt.  Rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery, Edsel spent almost two weeks recovering in the hospital.  Returning home, still weak,  Edsel was soon readmitted to the hospital.

When he was finally released from the hospital for the second time, Edsel, still needing some care and with no family, journeyed to Crestview Personal Care to recuperate.

“During that time, I really didn’t know where I was going,” Edsel recalls.  “I was in the hospital and then I went to Crestview.  It took a while to figure out and realize just what had happened to me.”

“I know God takes care of everything, but during that time I prayed that if it was His will, I would just go on,” Edsel continues quietly.  “He didn’t let it happen though.  Each time I prayed for that, I would end up feeling a little bit better.  God wasn’t ready for me to go.”

Edsel gives credit to those at Crestview for helping him. “Those people are like family when you need help, and they treat you with respect,” Edsel comments in a voice filled with emotion.  “The girls who work there mean the world to me.”

As he began feeling better, Edsel hesitantly picked up his banjo once again.

“I hadn’t played my banjo for a while even before I went to the hospital,” Edsel shares.  “I wasn’t thinking about it.  I just wasn’t interested in playing.  I really didn’t think I’d ever play again.”

At first, Edsel struggled to recall the songs.  However, the more he played, the more he remembered, and soon, Edsel was once again smiling and sharing the music he loved.  He began joining other musicians at open mic and jam sessions in Somerset.

“I started back playing and the longer I played, the more the music came back to me,” Edsel notes.  “When I started going out, playing my music, and meeting new people at Pisgah and 311, it made all the difference in the world.”

For Edsel, it has been a good experience to meet new musicians.

“I like going to play at Pisgah on Tuesday nights.  They play some good old-fashioned music, and they treat me with respect,” Edsel shares.

His regular Wednesday night “appointment” at the 311 open mic in downtown Somerset is an extra special highlight of his week. “Most of the folks there are younger, but they enjoy my music, and I enjoy playing it for them,” Edsel smiles.

He speaks fondly of gifted musician/songwriter Kevin Dalton who coordinates the Wednesday night open mic session and who plays guitar along with Edsel on the banjo during the weekly performances.

“I like Kevin,” Esdsel says simply.  “He’s one of the best.  He understands the type of music and the style I play.  He’s one of the nicest and best musicians I’ve met.  I’ve played a long time, and I wish I had met him when I was younger.  Kevin is a special friend to me, and he always will be.”

Wanda Haynes Fryes, author, musician, and instructor, also met Edsel at the open mic and speaks warmly of him. “Our area is rich in the arts-much more than most people know-and we still know how to tell a story and sing or play a song, none better than Edsel,” she explains.  “Edsel plays for the sheer joy of it. So many He is truly a remarkable and lovely human, a gift to those who have the opportunity to meet him and hear him play.”

Edsel grins as he recalls the wonderful party his friends at 311 threw for him on his birthday.

“It was probably the best birthday I’ve had,” he comments in an amazed voice.  “All of these people came out just on my account.  They showed me great respect.  It’s something I won’t forget.”

The evidence of Edsel’s baby-step journey to a triumphant comeback in 2014 is apparent by looking through a wall calendar where he, at some point mid-year, began accurately marking his musical “appointments” in the dated white boxes.  In addition to his regular weekly sessions in Somerset, Edsel shared his music at the McCreary County Farmer’s Market Grand Opening, the Stearns Museum unveiling of an exhibit dedicated in his honor, the Barren Fork Fishing Derby, the McCreary County Senior Citizens’ Picnic, and three separate Banjo Boogie events at the Big South Fork Railway.  He also served as Grand Marshall of the 2014 McCrearyfest Parade.

Edsel’s calendar proves, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that yes, in 2014, he may have taken a lickin’ but he definitely kept on tickin’.

“I could tell when I started getting my strength and energy back,” he grins. In a year that has been immensely challenging, he is grateful for all those who helped him, both old and new friends.  And he’s learned music really does make a difference in life.

Yes, for Edsel and the many people who cherish him and his music, the year of 2014 definitely ended on a high note.