Cootie Stark
Johnny Miller, known as Cootie Stark, was born on December 27, 1927, in
Abbeville, South Carolina. He grew up in Anderson County and received his first
guitar from his father at age 14. Due to poor eyesight, he began busking on
street corners, learning from fellow performers like Peg Leg Sam and Pink
Anderson. Stark acquired the nickname "Sugar Man" and performed as a songster
under various names, including Blind Johnny Miller. In 1997, Tim Duffy of the
Music Maker Relief Foundation discovered him playing Fats Domino songs, leading
to the release of his debut album, Sugar Man, in...
