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Blind Sunflower Slim
Briefly appearing blind blues singer and guitarist in several science fiction works in author Ron Goulart's "Fragmented America" series.
The earliest mention may be in the short story "Muscadine," about a tortured, erratic android novelist named Neil Muscadine, published in Fantasy & Science Fiction in April 1968 , and set in 1973. Muscadine sat in with Slim on electric harmonica at the Neither/Nor Club on Divisadero Street in San Francisco.
He also appears in Goulart's 1970 novel After Things Fell Apart. Here, he mentions his partner, Cripple Memphis Red. And by partner, it might mean life partner.
"You can shut the crap up, too, missy," replied the black man. "I came here to enjoy this anti-feminine play. I share an anti-feminine view with this troupe and you and the old bimbo with the big bazoo are adding to my bias right now."
"Well, I don’t think you should say crap to a blind person."
“That’s all right,” called out the frail woman, "I'm only partially blind, young lady."
"In point of fact," said the fat black man, "I happen to be totally sightless myself. You may even have heard of me. I’m a blues singer. Blind Sunflower Slim."
The teenaged girl said "Who cares? Blues are outmoded. Mechanical jazz is what’s of the moment."
"Shut up," cried a red haired Negro man from across the aisle.
"That’s my partner," said Blind Sunflower Slim. "That’s Cripple Memphis Red himself."
"None of you sound in very good shape," said the young blonde.
"At least I ain't up in Oakwood dying" said Slim.
In Goulart's 1972 novel Wildsmith, there is a mention of Blind Sunflower Slim’s Electrified & Sanctified Jook Band.
