Blues master (George) Buddy Guy first heard electric blues guitar from Lightnin' Slim, who used to sit and play on the porch of the Lettsworth (La.) General Store. Guy was hooked and in the early 1950s began playing the blues on the Baton Rouge, La., circuit. Guy moved to Chicago and worked as a session musician for Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon and Koko Taylor. His first album, "Stone Crazy," was released in 1962. In the late '60s, Guy teamed with blues harp player Junior Wells in a powerful partnership.
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Guy's inventive playing has influenced rock guitarists from Jimi Hendrix to Eric Clapton. Since the 1990s, the Chicago club owner has enjoyed success with a solo career. His latest album, "Blues Singer," was nominated recently for best traditional blues album Grammy.
Fast facts
Age: 67
Polka dots: The pattern on his signature Stratocaster guitar.
19: The number of W.C. Handy Blues Awards he's won.
Sites to see
Best bet: A Tribute to Buddy Guy
buddyguy.hansdrost.com
This site includes interviews, good photo gallery, tour dates, an ambitious list to record every concert date he's played, concert reviews, detailed discography and song lyrics. |
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Buddy Guy - Jive Records
www.buddyguy.net (Needs Shockwave-Flash)
Guy's record label site includes a biography, awards list, music player for his new album, discography, news and tour dates.
VH1: Buddy Guy
www.vh1.com/artists /az/buddy_guy/artist.jhtml
Fans can watch video interviews and performances, read his latest news and listen to tracks from his albums.
Sidetracks
Buddy Guy's Legends
www.buddyguy.com
The official site of his Chicago blues club.
Sound byte
- "It's the blues that keeps you young. When you stretch that string, you're stretchin' your life."
