Complex sentence: Curtis is described as a "black man with white curly hair" and the boy idolizes him, returning despite whuppings by his mama to hear the old man play, clapping his hands and trying to stay in time.
Split into simpler sentences: Curtis is described as a "black man with white curly hair". The boy idolizes Curtis, returning to him, despite receiving beating from his mama, to hear the old man play, clapping his hands and trying to stay in time.