Guitar Slim, Jr

Biography

Guitar Slim Jr., born Rodney Glenn Armstrong on August 24, 1952, in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a renowned blues guitarist and singer, best known as the son of the legendary Eddie 'Guitar Slim' Jones. Despite losing his father at a young age, Armstrong was deeply immersed in New Orleans music culture, learning guitar from Huey 'Piano' Smith and earning the nickname 'Guitar Slim Jr.' from Earl King. His early years were shaped by the vibrant local blues scene, and he became a fixture on the Black New Orleans club circuit for over two decades before recording his debut album. His style blends classic blues, country blues, and soul, marked by emotive vocals and expressive guitar work that pays homage to his father's legacy while carving out his own identity.

Armstrong's debut album, 'The Story of My Life,' recorded in 1987 and released in 1988, was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Traditional Blues Album category in 1989. The album featured a mix of his father's songs and classic soul covers, showcasing his deep roots and versatility. He went on to release two more albums, 'Nothing Nice' in 1996 and 'Brought Up The Hardway' in 2010, and has remained active in the New Orleans music scene, performing at major events like the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Known for his charismatic stage presence and dedication to the blues tradition, Guitar Slim Jr. is regarded as an elder statesman of the local blues community.

Fun Facts

• Guitar Slim Jr.'s first guitar was made from rubber bands, which he used as strings as a child.
• He performed at the Dew Drop Inn with Oscar 'Honey Boy' Moore, the drummer from his father's early trio.
• Armstrong opened for and befriended Texas blues star Stevie Ray Vaughan after the release of his debut album.
• He has lived a quiet life in Washington D.C. but remains a fixture on the New Orleans music scene.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Huey 'Piano' Smith - Gave Armstrong his first guitar amplifier and was an early mentor (early performances and guidance) [1950s-1960s]
• Earl King - Called Armstrong 'Guitar Slim Jr.' and was a stylistic influence (early encouragement and mentorship) [1960s]

Key Collaborators

• Shannon Powell - Drummer on 'The Story of My Life' (The Story of My Life) [1987]
• Kerry Brown - Drummer on 'The Story of My Life' (The Story of My Life) [1987]
• Rene Coman - Bassist on 'The Story of My Life' (The Story of My Life) [1987]
• Charles Moore - Bassist on 'The Story of My Life' (The Story of My Life) [1987]
• Jon Cleary - Pianist on 'The Story of My Life' (The Story of My Life) [1987]
• Milton Batiste Jr. - Trumpeter and horn arranger on 'The Story of My Life' (The Story of My Life) [1987]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. The Things That I Used To Do (Sufferin' Mind)
2. Well I Done Got Over It (Sufferin' Mind)
3. Along About Midnight (The ATCO Sessions)
4. The Things That I Used To Do (10-27-53) (1951-1954)
5. It Hurts to Love Someone (The ATCO Sessions)
6. Bad Luck Blues (Sufferin' Mind)
7. Story Of My Life (Sufferin' Mind)
8. Guitar Slim (Sufferin' Mind)
9. Sufferin' Mind (Sufferin' Mind)
10. Stand By Me (09-28-54) (1951-1954)

External Links

• Spotify