In Memory Of The Life And Death Of Two Legends

The date is May 8. For many, it’s just another day on the calendar. But for me, it’s more than just any old date. It is a day to remember two legends. It is a day to remember two people that had a huge impact on my world - for totally different reasons.

May 8 is bluesman Robert Johnson’s birthday. This year is the 101st anniversary of his birth. May 8 is also the date of Gilles Villeneuve’s death, now a somber 30 years ago.

This day brings joy in knowing what these two legends contributed to my world. But it also brings sadness with reflection on that sad day 30 years ago.

The music world is much the better since Robert Johnson made an appearance. The blues as we know it would never be the same after hearing the slashing slide guitar and guttural moans of Johnson. As I was working my way back through the history of rock and roll, working my way back through the roots of the blues, I kept finding more and more references to this man they called “The King Of The Delta Blues Singers”. His lyrics and vocals reflect true passion and raw emotion. Without him, you would be lacking the Eric Claptons of the world.

Johnson recorded 29 songs in San Antonio and Dallas, which then became two records. Two of my prized possessions in the world are those two vinyl records, in almost mint condition, that I managed to find in my days at university. They remain a treasure in my musical archive.

May 8 brings happiness in the knowledge that the musical world – my musical world – is a better place because of one Robert Johnson. But it also brings sadness in reflecting upon the death of another legend, Gilles Villeneuve.

I remember seeing Villeneuve race in the Formula Atlantic series early on in his career. He would drive a car hard – to the point of being fast and winning, or breaking the car in the process. You never doubted the effort that Villeneuve would put into his race performances.

His car control and raw speed was stunning, and those attributes ultimately brought him to the attention of Enzo Ferrari. He won 6 F1 races in his career. He was within 4 points of the world championship in 1979. Gilles became a Canadian sports legend driving for Ferrari. It was just a matter of time before he would be Canada’s first world champion – or so we thought.

Then there was that fateful day 30 years ago today. I remember the news bulletins that came across the television that day. It is not something that is easily forgotten for me. It was a pretty traumatic moment for a 16 year-old racing fan, to watch the passing of one of his heroes, the vivid images flowing across the screen before me. I can only say that it struck me to the core of my very being.

Gilles made us all proud to be Canadian. He gave us all an example of raw talent really making a difference, and that hard work really did pay off. He brought Canadian sport to the world stage, and we were all so very proud of him. Thirty years later, when I reflect on that day, it still tugs at my heart strings.

His son, Jacques, became world champion in 1997 – the first and only Canadian to win the world championship. A touch of dramatic irony. This year, Ferrari gave him the honor of driving his father’s Ferrari (for the first time) in memory of the 30th anniversary. It certainly brings back wonderful memories to see a Villeneuve behind the wheel of this wonderful machine.

Both Johnson and Villeneuve are legends in their own worlds. Both had a tremendous impact on my world. And today, May 8, I reflect and remember them both. Thanks for the memories.

Photo credits: dj goulash