Pour One Out This Weekend For Chicago Blues Legend Buddy Guy. He's Retiring At Age 88
In the pantheon of blues legends, Buddy Guy stands as a towering figure whose influence on the genre is immeasurable. With his fiery guitar playing, raw vocals, and electrifying stage presence, he has captivated audiences for decades and inspired countless musicians to pick up the instrument.
From his early days on the Chicago blues scene to his international acclaim as a Grammy-winning artist, Buddy Guy has embodied the spirit of the blues, carrying the torch passed down from his heroes the Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf. (Find me a better nickname, ever, than "Howlin' Wolf". You can't.)
His innovative guitar techniques, such as his use of feedback and distortion, pushed the boundaries of the genre and helped shape the sound of rock and roll.
(Some ridiculous "disrortion" on this track, "Damn Right I've Got The Blues".)
Beyond his musical talents, Buddy Guy's infectious passion and boundless energy have made him a beloved ambassador of the blues. He has generously shared his knowledge and love for the music with generations of fans and fellow musicians, ensuring that the legacy of the blues lives on.
Buddy Guy's Legends, located in the heart of Chicago, is more than just a blues bar—it's a living testament to the vibrant legacy of the blues and the man who helped shape its sound. Established in 1989 by the legendary Buddy Guy himself, Legends has become a pilgrimage site for blues enthusiasts from around the world.
My first time inside Legends, I was still in college, and got told by a bar manager at this bar in Rogers Park I used to DJ at, The Pumping Company, that I had to stop by it and "hear real music".
Anytime somebody tells me what "real music" is, and a place I can hear it, I go.
That's a hard and fast rule of mine.
Here's another.
Back to Buddy Guy's Legends though. My first time in there, the cloud of smoke in the air hit me like freight train. Once I wiped the soot out of my eyes and could see again, I felt transported back in time.
The walls are adorned with memorabilia, photographs, and instruments that tell the story of Buddy Guy's extraordinary career and the blues scene in Chicago.
Before heading down to South Wabahs, I looked it up online and was shocked to see that Legends has hosted some of the biggest names in blues, including B.B. King, Eric Clapton, and of course, Buddy Guy himself, who often makes surprise appearances.
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(I've seen Buddy there in person a few times, but he's never played sadly, just hanging out.)
I'd heard the phrase "make the guitar talk" before, but I had never in my life actually heard somebody make the guitar talk in person. The band was incredible. And it was just a regular Wednesday or Thursday night there.
The lounge also serves as a platform for up-and-coming blues artists, keeping the genre fresh and vibrant. Chicago being a hotbed and the epicenter of the blues, the amount of homegrown talent is never running dry.
The music and talent level at Legends is always out of this world and I try to stop by a couple times a year ever since.
Beyond his musical talents, Buddy Guy's infectious passion and boundless energy have made him a beloved ambassador of the blues. He has generously shared his knowledge and love for the music with generations of fans and fellow musicians, ensuring that the legacy of the blues lives on.
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Buddy Guy's contributions to music are undeniable. He is a true master of his craft, a living legend whose impact will continue to resonate for years to come. He is an inspiration to all who have witnessed his brilliance. He will be missed.