I was saddened to hear of Greg's passing. We grew up together a few streets apart and I remember going to his house and him talking about blues at a young age. Good for you following your dream. 

I'm only just learning of your passing, also of your fellow Bluesman James Cloyd, Jr.
I was fortunate to have had a lesson as an intermediate harp player with Mr. Blankenship before things happened with me, that i couldn't continue. He was easy going, quick with a joke, and very helpful and encouraging towards me. I had the pleasure of that encouragement and use of his equipment to stand in with Mr. Cloyd and the rest of the Crowbars band on a jam night at the Stonewood Lounge, and then a Blues Society night at the Blue Goose. You were a true Brother to your fellow musician, even to someone beneath you in  experience.
Rest in peace, James and Dale...

I will miss you my dear friend, my sympathies to Mom and Dad and the rest of his family. I know how you feel Dave those were his last words to me also
Rest in Peace you will always be loved

I am so sad to hear of his passing.  He was such a friendly and great guy.  Well, he's playing his harp in Heaven now with some of the greats...would love to be listening to that jam session!!

The Detroit Blues community is a supportive and loving community ~~ Gregory "Wailin" Dale Blankenship completely embodied the best of it.

Greg was a wonderful person.  He was a great harmonica player and a dear friend to my former husband, Steve Schwartz.  Steve, Dave & Greg loved playing music together.  The Alligators will miss his talent.  Greg always had a smile to give you and always a kind word.  I remember enjoying the day at his parent's cottage, dinner parties are our house and porch parties at the Krammer's home.  I miss all of those times of days gone by.  Greg will be remembered by all of us.  Debbie, Julie & Mike Schwartz

Your encouragement, patience and kindness will not be forgotten.  R.I.P. my friend.

Greg "Wailin' Dale" Blankenship NEVER had a bad word to say about anyone.  He was a friend to all and a Mentor to all that wanted to play Blues Harp.  I met Greg almost 30 years ago when Blue Suit and The Alligators were playing a lot of similar Clubs.  I was in a very formative stage being a "Newbie" on Blues Harp.  Being a fellow "Eastsider", Greg and I bonded pretty quickly and were always running into each other at area Jams or Shows, especially at The Blue Goose Inn.  Either with Blue Suit or L'il Stubby and the Disappointments, whenever "Wailin' Dale" was in the house, he was sittin' in!  When ever I had a New Mic, Amp or piece of Harp Equipment, Greg would always try it out for me and give me an honest evaluation.  That kind of honesty and love in people is hard to find today.  Love ya lots, Greg.

You always regret all the lost time when someone is gone..and in this tragic case, much too soon. RIP Uncle Greg love,  Jeri, Jamie, Donna and all of your late big brothers kin

Really going to miss Wailin . He was always friendly to everyone and took pride in all his harp students. He made me a better harp player for sure. A true Detroit Bluesman that was a joy to listen to. God bless you Wailin !

Wailin' Dale, gone but not always forgotten. The members of the Alligators will miss you much. Rest in peace!

In a world full of compromise and cookie cutter people Wailin Dale was the real deal.
A true Artist, a true Bluesman, and passionate to the soul.
My condolences to his Mother, Dave Krammer, The Alligators, and the countless lives that Greg touched for the better.
You are very loved & missed brother wailin.

I can't even begin to find words for this. Wailin has been a HUGE part of my life for 35 years. We shared insanity, we shared bad times. We shared great times of which there are way to many to recount. We shared our music. He taught, he inspired. He was a great band mate. We grew into our music together. We became pros together. Life without Wailin will be hard to say the least. He was dependable, stubborn, extremely intelligent , very talented, insightful, and loving. His last words to me were " I love you Davy. I talk to you tomorrow". He leaves behind a legacy of Music and love. To me he was bigger than life. The world will never be the same.

So very sad to see a great guy go too early...
Been following Mr Wailin Dale for a long time now, as a fellow Harp player i had the utmost respect.... sad sad day when wailin dale passed awayx

Condolences to the family. Greg was loved by many, and to quote his friend David Kramer, was "one in a million". Already missed. Peace.

We've lost a great musician, an inspired artist, a devoted historian, a gifted healer, a loyal friend and a beautiful human being who is gone far too soon.

The Boa Constrictors are deeply saddened by the loss of harpmaster, Wailin' Dale. We offer our deepest respect and sorrow for this tremendous loss to our community. Long will we remember several fusions of the Gators and the Boas into "Reptile Dysfunction" - everyone (especially Dale) got a huge kick out of that moniker.

Dale, we will miss you and will ALWAYS smile when we think of you. Sadly, as you know, the show must go on and we will miss your visitation due to a gig at Woody's in Royal Oak. We deeply regret that.

Love ya big guy - rest your soul, step lightly, and carry a REAL harp in heaven - the Mississippi kind.

A great bluesman has gone to heaven to play with the legends and join his good friend and fellow Alligator, Steve Schwartz.

Rest in peace and know that tonight I blow my harp for you.

Rich Broo

In loving memory of a wonderful person. Uncle Greg we will love you and miss you always.
-Josh, Brandi, Micheal, and Breanna

OBITUARY

Gregory Dale Blankenship

April 19, 1958 – June 22, 2015

Kaul Funeral Home

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