Doug MacLeod

Biography

Doug MacLeod, born April 21, 1946 in New York City, is a celebrated American blues musician renowned for his storytelling, acoustic guitar prowess, and original songwriting. His early life was marked by adversity, including a severe stutter and abuse, which he overcame by turning to music—finding his voice through singing and guitar playing. After his family relocated several times, MacLeod spent his formative years in St. Louis, immersing himself in the local blues scene and performing as a bassist in various bands before serving in the Navy, where he continued to hone his craft in Northern Virginia under the mentorship of Ernest Banks[1][2].

MacLeod's career flourished after settling in Los Angeles, where he became a sought-after sideman for blues legends such as George "Harmonica" Smith, Big Joe Turner, Pee Wee Crayton, Eddie 'Cleanhead' Vinson, Lowell Fulson, and Big Mama Thornton[1][2]. Over more than four decades, he has released 29 studio albums, several live recordings, and instructional DVDs, earning multiple Blues Music Awards—including the 2024 Acoustic Album Of The Year for "Raw Blues 1" and the 2023 Acoustic Artist Of The Year[1]. His songs have been covered by artists like Albert King, Albert Collins, Joe Louis Walker, and Eva Cassidy, and have appeared in TV movies and series such as "In the Heat of the Night"[1][2].

MacLeod's musical style is deeply rooted in traditional blues, characterized by personal storytelling, soulful slide guitar, and a commitment to authenticity—adhering to the advice "Never write or sing about what you don't know about." He is recognized for carrying forward the blues tradition, both as a performer and educator, and his legacy includes influential radio hosting, magazine columns, and appearances in documentaries such as "Resonate: A Guitar Story"[1][2].

Fun Facts

• Doug MacLeod overcame a severe childhood stutter by learning to sing and play guitar, which helped him find his true voice[1][2].
• He hosted the popular radio show "Nothin' But The Blues" on KLON/KKJZ in Los Angeles from 1999 to 2004[1][2].
• MacLeod was the voice for 'The Blues Showcase' on Continental Airlines, introducing travelers to blues music[1].
• He is featured in the documentary "Resonate: A Guitar Story," which explores the making of National Guitars[1][2].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Ernest Banks - MacLeod's mentor during his Navy years in Northern Virginia, taught him to write and sing only about personal experience. (Guidance reflected in MacLeod's songwriting across his career.) [Late 1960s–early 1970s]
• George 'Harmonica' Smith - Mentored MacLeod during his early Los Angeles years, influencing his blues style. (Live performances and sideman gigs.) [1970s–1980s]

Key Collaborators

• Big Joe Turner - MacLeod performed as a sideman with Turner in the Los Angeles blues scene. (Live performances.) [1970s–1980s]
• Pee Wee Crayton - Collaborated as a sideman in L.A. blues clubs. (Live performances.) [1970s–1980s]
• Eddie 'Cleanhead' Vinson - Worked together in live blues settings. (Live performances.) [1970s–1980s]
• Lowell Fulson - Sideman and collaborator in L.A. (Live performances.) [1970s–1980s]
• Big Mama Thornton - Performed together in blues clubs. (Live performances.) [1970s–1980s]

Artists Influenced

• Albert King - Recorded MacLeod's song "Your Bread Ain’t Done" on his Grammy-nominated album. (I'm in a Phone Booth, Baby) [1984]
• Albert Collins - Recorded MacLeod's song "Cash Talkin’ (The Working Man’s Blues)." (Cash Talkin’ (The Working Man’s Blues)) [1987]
• Joe Louis Walker - Covered MacLeod's songs, reflecting his songwriting influence. (Various) [1990s–present]
• Eva Cassidy - Covered MacLeod's songs, showing his reach beyond the blues genre. (Various) [1990s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. I'm Gone (Raw Blues 1)
2. Mystery Woman (Come to Find)
3. Money Talks (A Soul to Claim)
4. Rosa Lee (There's a Time)
5. Only Porter at the Station (A Soul to Claim)
6. Black Nights (There's a Time)
7. Come to Find (Come to Find)
8. Lobby Money
9. Mud Island Morning (A Soul to Claim)
10. Send the Soul on Home

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #blues