Buddy Guy

Buddy Guy

Buddy Guy is an American blues and rock guitarist and singer, born George Guy in Lettsworth, United States, in 1936. He is associated with blues, blues rock, Chicago blues and electric blues, and is closely linked with the Chicago blues tradition associated with Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf.

Early life and move to Chicago

Guy grows up in Louisiana, where he learns guitar, and begins performing with bands in Baton Rouge in the early 1950s. He moves to Chicago in 1957 and soon comes under the influence of Muddy Waters.

Recording career

In 1958, Guy wins a record contract with Artistic Records after defeating Magic Sam and Otis Rush in a guitar contest at the Blue Flame Club. He soon records for Cobra Records. In the early 1960s he works as a session guitarist for Chess Records. He also records on Junior Wells sessions for Delmark Records under the name Friendly Chap in 1965 and 1966.

Style and influence

Guy is known for his stage showmanship, including playing with drumsticks and moving into the audience while performing. He picks up the latter approach from a local blues guitarist at an early age. He is cited as an influence on Jimi Hendrix and other blues and rock musicians of the 1960s, and his playing influences both major and local blues guitarists.

Later recognition

His career gains renewed momentum during the blues revival of the late 1980s and early 1990s. This is helped by Eric Clapton's request that he join the all-star blues guitar line-up for the '24 nights' concerts at London's Royal Albert Hall, followed by his signing to Silvertone Records.

Associated acts

He is associated with Buddy Guy & His Band and Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes.