Eddie Blue

Edward “Eddie Blue” Yakkel was born in Hammond, IN on April 21, 1996. In 2003 Eddie’s father, John Yakkel, ordered a copy of the 1983 and 1989 Austin City Limits performance by Stevie Ray Vaughan. At 7 years old Eddie was mesmerized by these recordings and would watch them 2 to 3 times a day, using an old shoe horn as a make believe guitar.In 2004 Eddie started music lessons in Mesa, AZ. Eventually, John enrolled Eddie at a place called “Arizona Music Pro” in Prescott, AZ. This is where Eddie met Terry Furlong, the lead guitarist of “The Grass Roots”. At this time Eddie was playing an acoustic guitar, however, at Terry’s advice Eddie was moved to an electric guitar with a Fender Blues Jr. amplifier. At a concert in Prescott, AZ on November 11, 2004, during an intermission Terry Furlong pulled Eddie out of the audience to meet some very important folks in the industry. This was Eddie’s career changing moment. Eddie began playing mini concerts for his father at home. Dressing up in hats, scarves and anything that he thought met stage criteria.In March of 2005 during a spring break Eddie and his father ventured to Austin, TX to find out more about Stevie Ray Vaughan. Their trip consisted of checking the memorial statue of the legend himself, going to local blues clubs such as “Antones”, “The Continental Club” and “Nuno’s on Sixth”. They took a trip to “Ray Hennings, Heart of Texas” music store, where SRV purchased his “No. 1” fender guitar. During this visit, Mr. Hennings talked to Eddie and his father about a great guitar player by the name of Van Wilks. They had their first 3 one hour lessons with Mr. Wilks while on this short visit.Upon their return to Arizona, Eddie began playing harder. Terry Furlong told his father, “Eddie has a great talent and he had never seen a kid at Eddie’s age play so well and learn the lessons so quickly.”In June of 2005 Eddie and his father moved to Phoenix, AZ where they sought out guitar teacher Jack Wolf. Eddie continues to take lessons from Jack on a regular basis. As well, he receives lessons from Terry Furlong at least once a month.In December of 2005 another trip was made to Austin, TX. 4 additional, 1 hour lessons, from Van Wilks. Another trip to Austin, TX in March of 2006 for 5 additional lessons. From June 5, 2006 through June 17, 2006 Eddie attended the “Austin School of Music”. Upon completion the students performed at “Antones”. That evening, Eddie incorporated the slide into his performance while performing the hit song “Rocky Mountain Way”, by Joe Walsh. In July of 2006 Eddie attended the Austin School of Music to take lessons from Glen Rexach.Eddie’s inspiration is Stevie Ray Vaughan. He loves blues players such as “Freddie King”, “Albert King” and many older blues players who are long gone. Eddie is a member of The American Federation of Musicians Union, Austin, TX, Local 433. Eddie is on a fast climb upward, and all those who have the pleasure of seeing him perform are amazed.

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