Link Wray
The unmistakeable early master of the power chord born on this date. This year also marks 10 years since he died. See the sheer delight and appreciation that Jimmy Page displays: guitarjimmy pagelink wraymusicpower chordsrock ‘n roll
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The Band
I guess the name couldn’t have been more prescient — THE band! IMHO this is the greatest band of all for many reasons as nicely set out in this documentary (yet another excellent installment to the Classic album series). The three primary and inextricably linked markers of their greatness: 1. indifferent to mainstream musical fashion;…
What Fats Domino Means To New Orleans
This just published in OffBeat He’s the original King of Rock ’n’ Roll. What else can you say? boogie woogieCosimo MatassaDave BartholomewDavis RoganEllis MarsalisFats DominoHenry Butlerjon clearynew orleansrick colemanrock and roll
Percy Sledge 1941-2015
This from OffBeat. See him in the terrific Muscle Shoals documentary: AlabamagospelLouisianamusicpercy sledgerhythm and bluessoul
The Killer
Let me tell ya something about Jerry Lee Lewis, ladies and gentlemen: I am a rock and rollin’, country-and-western, rhythm and blues-singin’ motherfucker. Given the bombast, his private life and his showmanship, it’s no surprise that Jerry Lee has had such appeal to the likes of Jimmy Page, Keef and a whole roster of A…
The Dead’s Terrapin Station
Speaking of Jerry . . . Yes, I know that traditional Dead Heads are divided by this song. But so far as I can tell it really is in keeping with the Dead’s eclectic open-mindedness about not only music but artistic endeavor in general. I mean Jerry’s guitar at about 12:14 is a fantastic blend of jazz, rock,…
James Booker and Jerry Garcia
Some background here and here. The very excellent musicologist Jon Cleary on Booker: boogie woogiegrateful deadJames Bookerjerry garciajon clearymusicpiano
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
This very quirky band were renowned for their blistering live performances. Though they bore a superficial resemblance to the prevailing aesthetic of glam rock, they were worlds away. I read somewhere that their style can best be characterized as “heavy metal Vaudeville” which I think is kind of apt. What other band could get away…
Whatever happened to James Wayne?
Given Wayne’s age and life it’s highly probable that he died in complete obscurity quite some time ago. Anyway as you can see in his Wiki entry, he led quite the life. I can hear now why only someone like James Booker and Wayne himself gave the song such heartfelt authenticity (it has been covered…
California
Led ZeppelinLowell FulsonmusicOtis ReddingScott McKenzieThe Mamas & The Papas
manwithoutqualities 