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Photos by Arnie Goodman

Michael Packer was born in 1950 and has been constantly on the music scene since the late ‘60s. Ironically, in the early ‘70’s, Michael went out to San Francisco and played on the streets and met George Thoroughgood, who turned Michael onto the blues. Over the years, Michael has had numerous bands, including Papa Nebo, and Cool Steps and Free Beer. He recorded three albums with Free Beer for  Buddha and RCA. Michael has played all  the New York landmarks: Bar55 – Kenny’s Castaways,  Gerde’s Folk City and B.B. Kings, to name a few. Michael had the opportunity also to share the stage with the late Honeyboy Edwards. He was the man behind the New York Blues Hall of Fame which continued to elevate and support the blues. I was honored last summer to have the Michael Packer Band my infamous July 4^th barbeque. Michael Packer has done his job in saving American Music. Rest in Peace, my brother!