Musical Snobbery at it’s finest

Happy 72nd birthday to Buddy Guy.

When researching the roots of rock music in the 60’s, one of the branches comes directly through the blues. While many were influenced by Elvis, and others by folkies in the 50’s, many who we consider pillars in the history of rock; Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix, Keith Richards were influenced by the blues.

The list of mentors is as impressive as the list of students; Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Sonny Boy Willimson, among many others. The guitarist however who probably bridged the gap between blues and rock was Buddy Guy.

Buddy spent his early career with Chess records which, because of their belief that his distinctive, bold style wasn’t marketable, kept him under wraps for years, with very little output. It was not until 1968 and his switch to Vanguard that his recording career took off. In those early years, his influence was felt through his live shows. Word spread early about his showmanship and style. Before any real recorded output in America, he was seen as a guitar hero in Britain. Not only was his playing style imitated, but many ideas from his stage show was as well. It has been said Jimi Hendrix would cancel a show if he knew Buddy Guy was in town, so that he might go himself.

During the 70’s and early 80’s, like many other blues players, there was a decline in fortunes. But with the middle 80’s (and the rise of another Guy disciple, Stevie Ray Vaughn), and the support of friends like Clapton, Guy’s star began to rise once again.

He has a huge output of recorded material, and his influence will be felt as long as rock guitarists play the blues….