No Paid Holidays

Bill Homans, a.k.a. "Watermelon Slim" is one of the most intriguing bluesmen out there. Watermelon Slim first appeared on the music scene in the early 1970s as the only Vietnam veteran to record a full length LP during the war.

In subsequent years, Slim played with a variety of famous blues stars, but only recently has he become a full-time bluesman. Less than six months after leaving his last truck driving job, hauling industrial waste, Slim was making a living as a full-time touring bluesman. The decision was predominantly the result of a nearly fatal heart attack, and the renewed perspective on mortality that followed. Logically, why drive industrial waste around Oklahoma to dispose of when one can drive band mates around the US to play music and entertain? Now that Slim has received a record twelve Blues Music Award nominations in the United States, he is the new 'King of the Blues'.

Past Reviews of Watermelon Slim: "Watermelon Slim incarnates the deepest and truest roots of American music. Combine Jimmie Rodgers, the Carter Family & Bob Wills with Blind Lemon, Sonny Boy Williamson and Wilson Pickett - and you have Slim - a one of a kind pickin' & singin' Okie dynamo." Jerry Wexler, Legendary Producer.

Watermelon Slim is the hottest name in Blues right now - with a total of six Blues Music Award Nominations in 2008 - including Entertainer of the Year, Band of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Traditional Blues Male Artist of the Year, and Traditional Blues Album of the Year. This means Watermelon Slim has set a record of twelve Blues Music Award nominations over the last two years!

He's very much invested in the proceedings, he's one hell of a bottleneck guitarist, and he's got that cry in his voice that only the greatest singers in the genre have had before him. In short, he's the real deal. He covers Muddy, the Wolf, Sonny Boy Williamson, and Mississippi Fred McDowell, and he writes originals that can hold their own with the classics. And yes, he wrote most of those originals while behind the wheel of his big rig. He's got a big, raw sound, equal parts Mississippi Delta acoustic and Chicago electric. He's fabulous. You should check him out." Andy Whitman, Paste, Dec. 2007.