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alvin youngblood hart

Biography

Alvin Youngblood Hart, born Gregory Edward Hart on March 2, 1963, in Oakland, California, is a Grammy Award-winning American musician celebrated for his mastery of country blues and his eclectic approach to American roots music. Spending parts of his youth in Carroll County, Mississippi, Hart absorbed the Mississippi country blues tradition from his relatives, which became a cornerstone of his musical identity. His early years also included a stint in the Coast Guard, where he often practiced guitar while stationed along the Mississippi River, experiences that would later inspire his songwriting.

Hart emerged in the 1990s as a leading figure among a new generation of blues artists, releasing his debut album, 'Big Mama's Door,' in 1996. The album earned him the W.C. Handy Award for Best New Artist and established his reputation for authentic yet adventurous interpretations of blues, country, and rock. Hart's subsequent albums, including 'Territory' (1998), 'Start with the Soul' (2000), and 'Down in the Alley' (2002), further showcased his versatility as a guitarist, singer, and multi-instrumentalist. His work has been recognized with numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award in 2005 for his contribution to the compilation 'Beautiful Dreamer: The Songs of Stephen Foster.'

Known as a 'musician's musician,' Hart's style bridges the gap between traditional country blues, 1960s and 1970s guitar rock, western swing, and even reggae, drawing comparisons to legends like Lead Belly and Spade Cooley. His influence extends beyond performance, as he has inspired both peers and younger musicians with his commitment to personal expression and musical exploration. Hart remains a vital force in contemporary blues, praised by artists such as Taj Mahal, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, and Mick Taylor.

Fun Facts

  • Hart served seven years in the U.S. Coast Guard, often practicing guitar on the bow of the boat at night, which inspired his instrumental 'Underway at 7.'
  • His debut album, 'Big Mama's Door,' is named after his grandmother from Mississippi.
  • He is a multi-instrumentalist, proficient on acoustic and electric guitar, banjo, and mandolin.
  • Hart has been featured in notable documentaries, including Wim Wenders' 'The Soul of a Man' (part of Martin Scorsese’s 'The Blues' series) and 'Last of the Mississippi Jukes.'

Associated Acts

  • South Memphis String Band
  • Alvin Youngblood Hart’s Muscle Theory
  • New Moon Jelly Roll Freedom Rockers
  • Ian Siegal & The Mississippi Mudbloods

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

  • Clarence 'Gatemouth' Brown - Studied guitar with Brown, a legendary blues and country musician, early in his career. (General guitar technique and stylistic influence) [Early career (1980s-1990s)]
  • Taj Mahal - Major stylistic influence and early supporter; Hart opened for Taj Mahal for four nights, which he considers his big break. (Live performances, stylistic inspiration) [1990s]
  • Mississippi country blues musicians (family and regional tradition) - Absorbed traditional blues from relatives and local musicians in Carroll County, Mississippi. (General repertoire and style) [Childhood and adolescence]

Key Collaborators

  • Taj Mahal - Performed together; Hart opened for Taj Mahal, who praised Hart's musicianship. (Live performances) [1990s]
  • Various artists on 'Beautiful Dreamer: The Songs of Stephen Foster' - Contributed and produced tracks for the Grammy-winning compilation. (Beautiful Dreamer (compilation album)) [2004-2005]

Artists Influenced

  • Contemporary blues musicians (e.g., Corey Harris, Keb' Mo') - Hart is cited as an inspiration for his innovative approach to blues and roots music. (General inspiration, no specific works) [1990s-present]

Connection Network

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Mentors
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Discography

Albums

Title Release Date Type
Motivational Speaker 2005-06-14 Album
Big Mama'S Door 1996-04-23 Album
Philadelphia Mississippi 2022-06-24 Album
Territory 1998 Album
Start With The Soul 2000-05-16 Album
Down in the Alley 2002-07-09 Album
Lear 2025-11-14 Album
My People 2021-04-02 Album
New Moon Jelly Roll Freedom Rockers - Volume 2 2021-03-26 Album
New Moon Jelly Roll Freedom Rockers - Volume 2 2021-03-26 Album
Bad Mouth 2006 Album

Top Tracks

  1. Motivational Speaker (Motivational Speaker)
  2. Big Mama's Door (Big Mama'S Door)
  3. Big Momma's Door (Might Return) (Motivational Speaker)
  4. Hey Joe (Otis Taylor Collection)
  5. Moonlight Mile
  6. Sway
  7. Million Miles
  8. In My Time of Dying (Motivational Speaker)
  9. Illinois Blues (Territory)
  10. Ran So Hard The Sun Went Down (Otis Taylor Collection)

Tags: #blues, #folk

References

  1. musicianguide.com
  2. gasparillamusic.com
  3. americanacademy.de

Heard on WWOZ

alvin youngblood hart has been played 7 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.

DateTimeTitleShowSpotify
Jan 2, 202620:43Electric Eelfrom The Sounds Of New Orleans - Wwoz On CD, Spring 2013Music of Mass Distractionw/ Black Mold
Nov 27, 202514:29Moonlight Milefrom All Blues`d Up! Songs of The RolBluesw/ DJ Giant
Nov 24, 202514:48PONY BLUESfrom BIG MAMA'S DOORBlues Eclecticw/ Andrew Grafe
Nov 11, 202523:16In My Time of Dyingfrom Motivational SpeakerThe Freaknologist Lunatique Showw/ David Kunian
Oct 24, 202520:32my world is roundMusic of Mass Distractionw/ Black Mold
Sep 26, 202519:32Moonlight Milefrom All Blues`d Up! Songs of The RolMusic of Mass Distractionw/ Black Mold
Sep 25, 202522:13Electric Eelfrom The Sounds Of New Orleans - Wwoz On CD, Spring 2013Kitchen Sinkw/ Jennifer Brady