See Memphis Slim performing ‘Every Day I Have The Blues’ in 1962 here:
Memphis Slim (real name: John Chatman) is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest blues pianists of all time. Originally starting out as a band leader and the accompanist for Big Bill Broonzy in the early Forties, he established his reputation when he [...]
I joined ‘Melody Maker’ in 1964, but before that I used to go to the old Marquee when it was in Oxford Street, which had a bit of a plush jazz vibe, to see people like Johnny Dankworth and Cleo Laine. Then the club moved round the corner into Wardour Street and it became much [...]
Watch T-Bone Walker perform ‘Call It Stormy Monday’:
Born in Texas in 1920, T-Bone (Aaron Thibeaux) Walker is considered to be the godfather of electric blues guitar, influencing countless players from B.B. King to Eric Clapton and Gary Moore. A showman as well as a unique artist, his stunts such as plucking the strings with his [...]
Watch Sonny Boy Williamson performing in Europe in 1963 here:
Sonny Boy Williamson II’s life story is convoluted and full of contradictions - even his real name and date of birth are debatable! - but he became one of the world’s most influential blues artists. A songwriter, vocalist and harmonica player, his career break came through [...]