Anthony "Duster" Bennett was born in Welshpool, Montgomeryshire on September 23rd, 1946. Shortly after, his family moved to Kingston-Upon-Thames where he formed a lasting friendship with future Yardbirds founder Top Topham. It was Topham who introduced Duster to the blues and helped him develop his unique "One Man Band" style. After attending the Epsom Art school in 1964 and the Guildford Art School in 1965, Duster pursued a career as a professional performer. He was quickly signed to Mike Vernon's Blue Horizon label and recorded two studio albums and one live album, often enlisting the help of fellow musicians, like long-time friend Top Topham, the Peter Green led line up of Fleetwood Mac, and his future spouse Stella Sutton. After his third release, Duster Bennett and Blue Horizon parted ways. Duster continued to perform and release material up until his death in March of 1976, when he fell asleep at the wheel while driving home from a performance.
I've just finished reading Jumping At Shadows by Martin Celmins.. I felt quite sad when i finished it because it is such a great insight into the man and the music of Duster.. I used to go to a blues jam every tues night and got introduced to Duster Bennett there when i was 15. Even though the music i write is of a completely different style. Duster Bennett songs were the first i ever learnt to play that weren't straight 3 chord blues which in turn inspired me to write songs myself. I completely fell in love with the originality of his songwriting. A true hero of mine who sadly died before i was born. If i could go back in time and watch just one artist perform it would be Duster Bennett. It's awesome that his music still lives on and to me is timeless.
My third 'free-style' video with Duster's song. It is "Times Like These", Stella Sutton & Duster Bennett singing. Special thanks to a couple of sparrows from Cologne, Germany! ;-)
I have this video uploaded also in my MySpace video collection.
And this is just another video, the one I made yesterday: Duster's song called "Everyday." Again; it is featured both in the YouTube and on my MySpace pages:
Just yesterday I made a video with Duster's song "Slim's Tune" and already put it both in the MySpace, in my uploaded videos section, and in the YouTube. Tomorrow I will blog the former, while now and here I just drop the latter.
I am fully aware that it is too simple, but still, I hope that the quality of the song will overshadow the flaws of the video. :-)
Just bought the blue horizon sessions. excellent. does anybody know the lyric to life is a dirty deal? what's the second line to the third verse? 'smile the whole way...'
I always loved the song "Jumping at Shadows" done by Peter Green, on 'Boston Tea Party' concerts. Until recently I didn't know anything about the man who wrote the song! My deep respect to him and thank you for making this tribute page.
Thanks for putting Duster up on Myspace.
I found 'Fingertips' vinyl in a pawn shop years ago and since then have been trying to dig up as much as I can..
Thanks for the add. Knew Duster when we were both living in Tamworth and it was a real tragedy when he died. He should be remembered as one of the true greats of British blues.
I first came across Duster through Peter Green's version of Jumping at Shadows. It's one of my favorite songs of all time, and Duster was terrific! Thanks for adding me as a friend!
