Bernie and I were born on the same day and at the same hospital, but I did not meet him until summer school 1969. Bernie sat in the corner, I sat next to him and a nice girl sat near the exit. A guy sitting behind the girl started to verbally insult her to the point of tears. Both Bernie and myself picked up on this and our ears stood up like angry watch dogs. I did not know wheather to tell the guy where to go or punch him in the mouth. Bernie got up a second before I could and told the guy, "Hey man, that ain't cool". Before I play the guitar in public, I always relate the above info, and conclude that Bernie was the best guitarist in NJ and the better man. He went home too soon.

bernie was one of dearest friends - i admired him as an all-star musician - but I treasured his friendship that much more - even in a crowded club he would know that i was there and oftentimes would yell out , " john muller is in the house " - we had some great times togther over the years - the former united jersey blues network that I was part of sent him down to memphis when the heart attack fell this gentle giant of a man - I will never forget that phone call about his condition in memphis - I loved him - will always love him - he was my friend - john muller - april 13 - 2010

I went to high school with Bernie and remember him as just another kid knocking around, until he played with the Jazz Band as a senior and I was just floored. He was doing stuff I had never seen or heard before. I lost touch years ago and thought about him the other day and Googled his name and found this. He was a good kid who made a name for himself, and reading some of the comments from his fellow musicians makes you realize how good he really was. He will be missed.

Better late then never Bernie. Just decided to search the Goog and see where you were after all these years. Very sorry we lost touch.

I'll never forget the night of the Ali/Forman fight. We (Prysm) had a gig and Bernie brought along a small TV along so we could watch, off stage. (If my memory serves me correct)

Infinite love and gratitude,
Andy Salcius

I had wanted to do this for the longest time, but just couldn’t find the words. It’s so hard, even now, a year and a half later to say good-bye to this man. With the exception of my wife, he was my best friend. For those of you that may remember, my name is Joe Vazquez or “Joey V” as I was called. I had the honor of being the roadie and sell merchandise for The Stingers, from their 1990 inception, until about the mid-nineties when I finally got a job. I also have been a 5 year student of his with a box full of old lesson tapes that I still cannot bring myself to listen to. But I know within all of those tapes, aside from all the strange feedback & guitar riffs, people sliding on ice outside Bernie’s cellar door, belching & flatulence, etc. There was a wealth of knowledge, both musically & worldly. He was the teacher, I was the student. He unlocked the secrets of the guitar to me, and he also shared his life experiences with me, in turn, helping me to become a better person. For that I am forever indebted.
He was also one of my greatest playmates. For some 15 years we spent EVERY Christmas Eve together. I brought the marinated steaks, he brought the lobster. Sit down with his beloved mom and watch movies, until Normae went to bed. Then, the REAL movies came out! Brausewetter Bargain Bin Specials as I would call them. Titles that even I cannot remember, except for maybe “Killer Klowns from Outer Space.”
Or all the times he came over to my house down the shore to watch pay-per view boxing. (I would get them all.) We would go over to Southern House Ribs in Point Pleasant Beach & get a giant bucket full of ribs. After the boxing was over, and we were done feasting, we both would take great joy in throwing the extra containers of cole slaw & bar-be-que sauce at the ceiling fan which was set on high. (I wasn’t married at the time so I could do this.) Laughing hysterically, it felt as though we were both 2 school lads at home with no parental supervision, free to do what we pleased. Of course, Bernie wasn’t around the next morning, and I had to clean up the left-over’s. BUT IT WAS ALL WELL WORTH IT!!!!
I could go on and on. The point is, that the memories are all good ones and not a single bad one. I miss him, and still cannot believe he is not here. I love him unconditionally. I want him to know that. I want him to know that I am sorry I did not take the time to see him more often than I could have. Especially in the end. Bernie I am sorry. This letter was a long time coming, but it’s finally here….

Rest in Peace Shirt-man

Joey V.

Listening to bernie's third CD, it was such an honor and pleasure to have met and played with bernie back in 1975-1977 at seymour's house with my brother doug, dave cashin and the rest of the group.

For a drummer not being able to read music playing with folks from berklee, julliard, mahattan school of music. Bernie's guitar playing was always awesome, his friendly character and respect for others in the band, audience and people made me feel good-comfortable playing music in the group and I am fortunate to have known him.

Bernie if you are reading this, I work 300 yards from jimi hendrix's grave and I just found out dave cashin has been my neighbor in the seattle area for quite a few years.

If you are listening, I'm still banging. Dave Riecken

My deepest and sincerest condolences go out to all of BB's family and friends. I didn't know BB real well, but all I can say is for the several times I spoke to him during his shows he was one of the nicest guys you would ever meet. He would always find time to chat and was truly appreciative of the comments he received. I am sure that anyone who witnessed his performances would surely love to see him play again. Someday I think we just may. Rock on BB!

I have only great memories of B.B. and The Stingers. My friends and I would check them out throughout Middlesex county in the 1990's. I have been in Vermont since 2000. The news of B.B's passing was very sad. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Thank You for all the great music through the years. Thank You for your kindness the few times we spoke.

Bernie! Jesus Christ! Well...I guess it won't belong before the rest of us join you.
I'll always remember your unigue style of playing the guitar and your always friendly attitude.
Wish I could have been there but I only just found out.

PEACE

Phil Woodruff
1461 Alice St.
Oakland, CA. 94612
510.893.1979
woodruff2000@hotmail.com

I was only a kid! when i had to sneak inn to the local bar from my house. Only to find a good freind and teacher. Bernie was a great freind and becouse of bernie im never going to give up playing guitar. He showed my a few lessons
on picking but most of all freindship.....anthony.m

So sad right now.... I just found out about Bernie passing when I viewed his site. I used to go see him years ago in Rahway & Westfield, when I lived in Edison. I moved to Atlantic Highlands and I would go see him in the Highlands. I can't count how many people I have mentioned Bernie to and his music. This year I moved to SC and was planning a trip to NJ and that's why I went to his site, I was hoping to see him while there. RIP, Bernie and thank you for putting a smile on my face, many times.

I was watching some old clips of the Uncle Floyd show on YouTube and there was this band named Attaboy. These guys had a great sound but what really caught my attention was the guitarist whom I later learned was Bernie. I was impressed by him almost immediately (being a guitarist myself) and regret having not taken the opportunity to get up to North Jersey and see him perform live. My condolences to Bernie's family.

I started taking guitar lessons from Bernie back in 1988...and went for lessons, on and off, for close to 13 years...the later years, more just to hang out than to actually take a lesson (I could play pretty good by then ;) I started a family back in 2001, stopped lessons (among lots of other things), and pretty much lost touch with Bernie. I just read this now, and it was a bit of a shock. I'm really sad to hear he's gone...and I'm even more sad that I didn't get to spend one last hour hangin in Bernie's basement, just shooting the poop. $20 an hour, once a week, for the better part of my younger years was the best money I ever spent...not only did I learn to play a mean guitar...but I also got better therapy than I ever could've gotten from a shrink. God bless you Bernie...you'll be missed.

Todd

I was shocked to hear of Bernie's death today, after a Google search of his name. Bernie was my guitar teacher in the early 90's. He was also kind enough to lay some lead tracks on a project I was working on at Butterfield's in Red Bank. I still have a few of the tapes he recorded during lessons, and I occasionally listen to them, still amazed at his talent. Heartfelt condolences to his friends and family. He will be missed.

I was so saddened to learn of Bernie's passing. I remember so clearly him playing back when we were in high school. He was such a great musician even back then and such a sweet, sweet soul. Although I moved out of Jersey a long time ago I still have friends there and keep tabs on people and would often hear how Bernie was doing so well with his music. It was so good to hear that one of our friends was succeeding in life with his true passion. You left this earth much too early sweet soul.

Heartfelt condolences to Bernie's friends and family. Although I didn't know him personally, my band was fortunate enough to be on the same line up as him for Glen Burtnik's Christmas Xtravaganza.

Rock on Bernie you will be missed.
R.I.P.

I just wanted to express my sadness on the loss of this wonderful man...my friends and I have watched Bernie play his magic on that guitar for years...especially at the Stone Pony, New Brunswick venues, and ALL of those Xmas Xtravaganza shows! He was always one of the highlites, and this Decembers' show will be great as usual, but it will be bittersweet without Bernie...God Bless his family, and rest in peace Bernie...I and a lot of other people know that you are playing all those great licks on your guitar and teaching still in the good place of your afterlife!

I saw Bernie play 30 or 40 times from Warren, to Plainfield, to Red Bank, Iselin, and even Stanhope. Loved his music and always said he was the very best guitar player I ever saw. I also had a chance to get to know him. I can also say he was one of the nicest, pleasantest guys I ever knew. I am in great shock and very saddened to hear of his death. There can be nothing to replace him or his music. I hope he now is resting in peace and in everlasting happiness.
Joe

" If you follow your bliss you put yourself on a kind of track that has been there all the while, waiting for you, and the life that you ought to be living is the one you are living. You begin to meet people who are in the field of your bliss, and they open the doors to you."
Joseph Campbell
It is evident that Bernie did indeed follow his bliss, and touched many lives along the way.

We are all better people to have known him.

Peace dear friend

I didn't know Bernie, but as a fellow musician I felt it necessary to pay my respects and offer my condolences to his family. Rest in peace, Bernie and may God smile upon you and yours always.

One really great, original player and person.

Bernie,
Thank you for the countless lessons, both on guitar and on life, that you shared with me. You helped me develop as a musician and helped me become the guitar player I am today. I can still here your influence in my playing and still find myself listening to your CD's. You also helped me in realizing that music was my future. I have taken the next step by going to school for Music Industry, and by playing in a serious gigging original band because of you. I hope your still jamming where ever you are now. We'll all miss you.

Bernie...saying goodbye to you that day in Mulenburg Hospital didn't feel like it would be our last.. I did believe we had more time.....to laugh and talk about all the good memories we had growing up in such a special time and with such special people....you being one who never lost your youthful, gentle outlook and aura. All those afternoons and eves in Semanchik's garage listening to you blow everyone's mind with the quality of your talent- matched and maybe surpassed only by the quality of your character which was honest and kind and lighthearted-you possess a gentle grace and your big smile and shining sky eyes would always light up anyone's day. To say you will be missed just isn't enough....it still feels like you are there and I will see you at your next gig... and be able to tell you one more time that I love you...