PROMOTER & PRODUCTION: BIG FISH PRODUCTIONS, INC.

JANUARY 28th, 2005 :: AVERY FISHER HALL :: LINCOLN CENTER

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PRESS AND PHOTOS

LEGENDS OF THE BLUES CONCERT WEBSITE

Buddy Guy
When it comes to the electric blues, one name comes to mind: Buddy Guy. All it takes is just one note of Buddy Guy’s soulful music and you’ll be hooked and begging for more of his electrifying performance. This legendary musician has moved audiences around the globe for more than 45 years with his passionate voice and extraordinary electric blues talent.

Buddy Guy has released numerous albums including his most famous ones, Blues Singer and Sweet Tea. Blues Singer showcases some of Guy’s most memorable beats and lyrics and features songs performed with legendary friends, B.B. King and Eric Clapton. Sweet Tea was released in 2001 and introduced a fresh new sound. Guy stripped away the horns, keyboard, and guest vocalists for a more clean sound. This album became one of the most critically acclaimed albums of his career.

Born in Lettsworth, Louisiana on July 30, 1936, Buddy Guy grew up without the basics, like running water and electric lights. Influenced by the sounds of T-Bone Walker, Lightnin’ Hopkins, and others, Buddy Guy moved to Baton Rouge and began playing professionally in the 1950’s. In 1958, he beat Magic Sam and Otis Rush in a “Battle of the Blues” contest and was immediately signed.

During Buddy Guy’s career, he has sold more than two million albums; won four Grammy Awards; and received nineteen W.C. Handy Blues Awards, which is more than any other single artist.

David “Honeyboy” Edwards
A country blues singer with a gruff voice and blues guitarist, David “Honeyboy” Edwards remains one of the world’s most important Delta blues musician.

David “Honeyboy” Edwards has been playing the blues for seventy-five years and is one of the last original practitioners of the acoustic Delta blues style. Born on July 28, 1915 in Shaw, Mississippi, he has been playing the traditional and Mississippi delta style blues since he was fourteen years old. A self-taught blues musician, David “Honeyboy” Edwards learned about the genre by listening to popular locals. At an early age, he showed signs of greatness and many people began to notice the young Edwards. So much so, he began performing at local Delta juke joints along with local favorite, Big Joe Williams. After Edwards felt like he learned as much as he could from Williams, he went out on his own and began a successful solo career. During the 1930’s and 40’s, David “Honeyboy” Edwards traveled all across the country and performed with many famous blues musicians like Yank Rachell and Robert Johnson. His popularity began to grown and in 1942, the Library of Congress recorded some of his music.

After years of traveling, David “Honeyboy” Edwards finally settled in Chicago. Here, he combined Delta blues and Chicago jump blues, made some recordings on various labels and played in clubs and street corners. Today, he continues to travel and share his music with the world including Japan and Europe.

Robert Lockwood, Jr.
A living legend and one of the last remaining roots bluesman, Robert Lockwood, Jr. was born on March 27, 1915 in Turkey Scratch, Arkansas. When Robert Lockwood, Jr. was just fourteen years old, he learned how to play the guitar from Robert Johnson, one of the most popular Delta blues musicians. Johnson lived with Lockwood’s mother and was romantically involved. It was during this time that Robert Lockwood, Jr. gained not only a father figure, but a role model. From Johnson, he learned about chords, timing, and stage presence. By fifteen, his skills were so sharp, he played professionally—with Robert Johnson. They played everywhere they could, including juke joints, fish fries, and street corners. Robert Lockwood, Jr. eventually mastered Johnson’s techniques and often when they performed, audiences couldn’t tell the difference between who was performing. In 1927, Johnson was tragically murdered, leaving Robert Lockwood, Jr. well prepared for his own musical career.

In 1938, he became one of the first persons to own an electric guitar. This instrument became one of his favorites to play. By 1941, Robert Lockwood, Jr. landed his first recording session with Doc Clayton. He also hosted a live radio program in Arkansas with Sony Boy II. The show was so successful, it became a cultural phenomenon.

Later, he moved around the country performing in various cities, including Chicago. Here, he became a top performer on the Chess Records label. After several years, he eventually settled in Cleveland, at the urging of his old pal, Sony Boy II. He took a short break and raised his family. After his kids were grown, he continued his solo career and continued to nspire a new generation of blues musicians.

Muddy Waters Band
When mainstream America thinks of the blues, Muddy Waters is one name that often comes to mind. His amplifying electric guitar sound was not only edgy and powerful, but ground-breaking and still moves today’s audiences.

Born McKinley Morganfield on April 4, 1915 in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, Muddy Waters was a nickname given to him during his childhood. Growing up in the Delta region Muddy Waters took an interest in the blues at an early age. At 13, Waters learned the harmonica while working as a farm laborer. By 17, he had mastered the harmonica and transitioned to the guitar. Using the “bottleneck” style, Muddy Waters was able to use the guitar as an extension of his voice, allowing him to release all of his emotions. A few years later, Muddy Waters mastered the Delta blues and learned how to sing expressively and soulfully. He became very popular around the area and performed every chance he got.

In 1943, Muddy Waters moved to Chicago permanently. Here, Waters led a new form of blues known today as the Chicago blues. Due to the war and the trying time, Waters didn’t record his first album until a few years after he arrived. When Waters later released “I Can’t Be Satisfied/I Feel Like Going Home”, it was not only a big hit, but the beginning of Chicago blues.

What made Muddy Waters so beloved was the honesty and emotions that roared through with each breath and his electrifying guitar sound. Audiences familiar with the blues could hear traces of former blues legends that inspired him and the Delta singers from his boyhood. Throughout the 1950’s, Waters continued recording. Some of his most famous songs include “Hoochie Coochie Man”, “Got My Mojo Working”, and “You Can’t Lose What You Aint Never Had.” Muddy Waters continued playing until the early 1980’s, entertaining audiences all over with his rich music. In 1983, he died peacefully in his sleep.

Muddy Waters’ music continues on through the “Muddy Waters Band.” The “Muddy Waters Band” is made up of former band mates including Pinetop Perkins on piano and vocals. He was a former sidekick for Sonny Boy Williams. Luther “Guitar Junior” Johnson plays the guitar and vocals. He toured with the band during the 1970’s. Willie “Big Eyes” Smith plays the drums and vocals. He played in the band for almost two decades, starting in the early 1960’s. Calvin “Fuzz” Jones plays bass and vocals. He was a regular with Waters during the mid 1960’s and 1970’s. Jerry Portnoy plays harmonica and vocals. He played with Waters from 1974-79. “Steady Rollin” Bob Margolin plays guitar and vocals. He played with Muddy for seven years.

Howlin’ Wolf
Howlin’ Wolf was one of the most influential blues musicians of his time—some of his biggest fans included The Rolling Stones, The Doors, and Eric Clapton—and his legacy continues on even today with The Howlin’ Wolf Band.

Standing over six feet tall and weighing well over three hundred pounds, Howlin’ Wolf was intimidating on and off the stage and is most remembered for his loud, gruff voice and electrifying blues performances. He moved and wiggled around the stage like a man out of control, trying to unleash his inner demons and often acting out his most poignant blues.

Born on June 10, 1910 as Chester Arthur Burnett—named after the late nineteenth century President—in West Point, Mississippi, Howlin’ Wolf became interested in music at an early age and was influenced by some of the leading musicians of his day, including Charley Patton whose music inspired him to learn guitar. He learned to play the harmonica from Sony Boy Williams. And he learned how to maximize his rich voice from Tommy Johnson and country singer Jimmie Rogers.

Howlin’ Wolf didn’t record his first album until after he was forty years-old. Prior to that, he lived a balanced life and played the blues and worked as a farmer. He understood that the and and the labor associated with it were directly connected with the blues. During his weekends off, he often performed locally and played the guitar and the harmonica simultaneously.

For a brief while, he served in World War II. When he returned, he yearned to record and moved to Arkansas where he put together a band, played on the local radio, and was eventually discovered by Ike Turner from Chess Records. Almost immediately, a competitive feud began between Howlin’ Wolf and Chess’ top star, Muddy Waters. He continued on and recorded music for many years.

Mojo Buford
Mojo Buford’s smile is just as famous as his vibrant and soulful harmonica performances that echo the traditional Chicago blues style.

Born in 1929 in Hernando, Mississippi, Mojo Buford was surrounded by music at an early age. He sang in the church and learned to play the harmonica from his father. He also learned to play the harp. When Mojo Buford was 14, he moved to Memphis and met many famous blues musicians including B.B. King. Once again, he found himself surrounded by music. He was so moved by all the giants he grew up admiring, he practiced and performed throughout the area.

In 1954, Mojo Buford followed his dream and moved to Chicago. He formed a band called he Savage Boys and earned the attention of many of the biggest musicians. His band eventually became friends with Muddy Waters. Muddy Waters often booked them at local venues and called them The Muddy Waters, Jr. Band. Mojo Buford toured with Waters for three years throughout the U.S., Canada, Australia, and Europe. After his tours with Waters ended, he ventured on his own and moved to Minnesota’s Twin Cities. It was here that he was nicknamed Mojo. His fans at a local bar loved his performance “I Got My Mojo Working” so much, they named him Mojo.

In the last decade, Mojo Buford has remained busy recording and performing all around the world. His most recent albums “Still Blowin’ Strong” and “Home Is Where My Harp Is” have expanded his audience base and helped earn him a whole new generation of fans.

Copyright 2005 Big Fish Productions, Inc.