This was the segregated South. He was of the opinion that while it was insulting and limiting, they did enjoy having areas and clubs that were all their own, indeed a distinct subculture where arts, literature and religion thrived in their way. Something perhaps like Harlem in its day. He was a musician though, and had access and opportunities that others did not. I am not saying he was OK with segregation. He wasn’t. He did miss the social cohesion, aspirations and relative prosperity that predated the welfare state though.
He had a remarkable life, playing backup to some significant jazz and R&B artists, running a Dallas, New Orleans and Memphis circuit, sometimes Chicago and Saint Louis. Quit because the life style and substance abuse on the road was starting to scare him, and I wonder if his current problems are due in part to that. He is relatively young to be so far into dementia as he is now. Still a good man, but hopelessly lost as to time and place and people.