black keys

Biography

The Black Keys are a celebrated American rock duo formed in Akron, Ohio, in 2001 by childhood friends Dan Auerbach (vocals, guitar) and Patrick Carney (drums). Both grew up in Akron and began playing music together as teenagers, eventually dropping out of college to pursue their passion. Their early recordings were famously raw and self-produced, often laid down in Carney’s basement, which gave their debut album, 'The Big Come Up' (2002), a gritty, lo-fi edge that set them apart in the burgeoning garage rock revival of the early 2000s.

Over the next decade, The Black Keys built a devoted following through relentless touring, frequent album releases, and a sound that fused blues, rock, and garage influences. Albums like 'Thickfreakness' (2003) and 'Rubber Factory' (2004) solidified their underground reputation, while their move to Nonesuch Records and collaboration with producer Danger Mouse on 'Attack & Release' (2008) brought a more polished sound and wider acclaim. Their commercial breakthrough came with 'Brothers' (2010) and 'El Camino' (2011), both earning multiple Grammy Awards and spawning hits like 'Tighten Up' and 'Lonely Boy.' After a brief hiatus from 2015 to 2019, the duo returned with new material, continuing to evolve their sound while paying homage to their blues roots.

The Black Keys are known for their distinctive blend of blues rock, garage rock, and modern blues, drawing inspiration from Mississippi hill country blues and classic rock acts. Their legacy is marked by a commitment to authenticity, a DIY ethos in their early years, and a significant influence on the 21st-century rock landscape, inspiring a new generation of musicians to embrace raw, soulful sounds.

Fun Facts

• The band's name comes from a phrase used by an eccentric Akron artist to describe people who were 'not quite right.'
• Their second album, 'Thickfreakness,' was recorded in a single 14-hour session in Carney's basement.
• The Black Keys have won multiple Grammy Awards, including three for 'Brothers' and three for 'El Camino.'
• Before their breakthrough, Auerbach and Carney mowed lawns together to make ends meet after dropping out of college.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Junior Kimbrough - Major blues influence; The Black Keys have covered his songs and dedicated an entire EP to his work. ('Chulahoma: The Songs of Junior Kimbrough' (2006), covers on 'Delta Kream' (2021)) [2000s–2020s]
• R.L. Burnside - Influential Mississippi bluesman whose style shaped the band's sound. (Covers and stylistic inspiration, especially on 'Delta Kream' (2021)) [2000s–2020s]
• Howlin’ Wolf - Classic blues artist cited as a foundational influence by Dan Auerbach. (General stylistic influence) [2000s–2020s]

Key Collaborators

• Danger Mouse (Brian Burton) - Producer and co-writer on several albums, helping to refine and expand the band's sound. ('Attack & Release' (2008), 'Brothers' (2010), 'El Camino' (2011), 'Turn Blue' (2014)) [2008–2014]
• Kenny Brown - Guitarist for R.L. Burnside, contributed to the 'Delta Kream' album. ('Delta Kream' (2021)) [2021]
• Eric Deaton - Bassist for Junior Kimbrough, played on 'Delta Kream.' ('Delta Kream' (2021)) [2021]

Artists Influenced

• Royal Blood - Cited The Black Keys as a key influence on their blues-rock duo approach. (Debut album 'Royal Blood' (2014)) [2010s]
• Greta Van Fleet - Inspired by The Black Keys' modern take on classic rock and blues. ('Anthem of the Peaceful Army' (2018)) [2010s–2020s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Lonely Boy - 2021 Remaster (El Camino (2021 Remaster))
2. Lonely Boy (El Camino)
3. Howlin' for You (Brothers)
4. Gold on the Ceiling - 2021 Remaster (El Camino (2021 Remaster))
5. Howlin' for You (Brothers (Deluxe Remastered Anniversary Edition))
6. Fever (Turn Blue)
7. No Rain, No Flowers
8. Wild Child (Dropout Boogie)
9. Tighten Up (Brothers)
10. Gold on the Ceiling (El Camino)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia