The blues (and the music) world lost another integral part as Dave Alexander, aka Omar Sharif, died on January 8th at the age of 73. Sadly, he died of what appeared to be a self inflicted gunshot wound. He was found at his home in Marshall, Texas. Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, he grew up in Marshall, Texas. He spent some time in the US Navy before ending up in the Bay Area, playing with many San Francisco area musicians. An accomplished pianist, He played with the likes of Buddy Guy, Muddy Waters and Big Mama Thornton. He recorded 7 albums of great blues as either himself, or under his stage name of Omar Sharif. A tragic loss.
One of his more famous songs is “The Raven”.
The Raven
311
Some Ragtime
1673
Cold Feeling
Hi,
A lovely tribute to a great musician.
I have only ever heard a couple of his songs, so I thank you for posting the video’s, at the moment I am listening to the 2nd video as I type, will certainly listen to the others after I post the comment.
Another fantastic player.
I was listening to some Hubert Sumlin earlier as well. Thank god they live on in their recordings…
Hubert was the best, a superb player. Seem to be doing a lot of these lately, to many.
Thanks. There is an obvious downside to this series. The upside is that it turns me, and others, on to some really great music.
I have been trying to reach Omar’s family to let them know that he was recently inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame and to present them with his certificate. I played music with him many times in the 1970s & 1980s and he backed me up at the San Francisco Blues Festival in 1983. Recently I became the Blues Hall of Fame Ambassador and I requested that he be inducted. Better late than never – recognition to a great friend and master musician. Please contact me if you know where his certificate should go. Congratulations, Omar, RIP & much love, Monica Dupont
Can’t help you with locating his family, but, please keep me posted on your search.
This is in response to Monica Dupont. You may already have this information. His full name was David Alexander Elam and his brother was shot and killed years ago in Texas.
So sorry to hear about the death of Dave Alexander/Omar Shariff. I remember seeing him perform on numerous occasions throughout the San Francisco Bay Area in the 1970s and 80s. Last I heard was the he had moved to Sacramento. A great performer. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to see him perform.
MEG
I wish I had seen him.
I contacted the Mayor of Marshall, Texas, where they have a tribute to Omar and sent him Omar’s induction Certificate for display. Man, do I ever wish I could have just handed it to Omar personally. He never felt appreciated-he felt that his stage persona of Dave Alexander sent the wrong message to people. He thought it made him appear “uppity” (direct quote) and unapproachable, which he wasn’t. He thought it made him appear to be “that dude on stage in the fancy suit, all full of himself” (also a quote), which he was so much more than ! Omar felt better about being the person he was inside, when he started dressing casually, in overalls and calling himself Omar. He said he then felt “like a giant weight” had been lifted off of him and that he could finally relax and be himself. I am so incredibly sorry that I couldn’t have reached him earlier and as a friend, comforted him and proudly inducted him. It might have made a difference, it might have saved this great musician from a tragic undeserved end. Your music, shines on Omar !!! I will never forget your beautiful soul and warm smile, a smile that could light up the whole room. Miss you….RIP