Junior Wells, Buddy Guy

Biography

Junior Wells, born Amos Blakemore in 1934 in Memphis, Tennessee, was a pioneering Chicago blues harmonica player and vocalist whose career spanned over five decades. He moved to Chicago in 1948 and quickly immersed himself in the city's vibrant blues scene, sitting in with local musicians and developing his amplified harmonica style under the influence of Little Walter. Wells made his first recordings in 1952 as a replacement for Little Walter in Muddy Waters's band, and by the 1960s, he had become a fixture on the Chicago blues circuit, known for his dynamic stage presence and soulful vocals. His 1965 album 'Hoodoo Man Blues,' recorded with guitarist Buddy Guy, is considered a landmark in electric Chicago blues and helped define the genre for future generations.

Buddy Guy, born George Guy in 1936 in Lettsworth, Louisiana, is one of the most influential Chicago blues guitarists of all time. He moved to Chicago in the late 1950s and quickly became a sought-after session guitarist at Chess Records, playing with legends like Muddy Waters. Guy's partnership with Junior Wells began in 1965, resulting in several acclaimed recordings and live performances. Known for his raw, expressive guitar playing and flamboyant stage presence, Guy influenced countless rock and blues guitarists, including Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Both artists played pivotal roles in shaping the sound of modern blues, with Guy's career enjoying a resurgence in the 1990s and Wells remaining a respected figure until his death in 1998.

Fun Facts

• Junior Wells was introduced to Mel London by Willie Dixon, who helped him record some of his most famous songs like 'Messin' With The Kid' and 'Come On In This House'.
• Buddy Guy was mistakenly introduced as Chuck Berry on the British television show 'Ready Steady Go!' during his first trip to England in 1965.
• Buddy Guy recorded under the pseudonym 'Friendly Chap' on Junior Wells' 'Hoodoo Man Blues' album due to his contract with Chess Records.
• Junior Wells' album 'Hoodoo Man Blues' was the first to capture the live sound of an electric Chicago blues band and is considered a classic in the genre.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Little Walter - Mentor and early influence on Junior Wells' harmonica style (Muddy Waters band sessions) [early 1950s]
• Muddy Waters - Early mentor and bandleader for Junior Wells (Muddy Waters band sessions) [early 1950s]

Key Collaborators

• Buddy Guy - Frequent musical partner and co-leader of the Junior Wells Blues Band (Hoodoo Man Blues, South Side Blues Jam, Buddy Guy & Junior Wells Play the Blues) [1965–1970s]
• Muddy Waters - Band member and session musician (Chess Records sessions) [1952–1953]
• Eric Clapton - Producer and collaborator on Buddy Guy's Atlantic Records album (Buddy Guy & Junior Wells Play the Blues) [1970]

Artists Influenced

• Eric Clapton - Cited Buddy Guy as a major influence on his guitar playing (Various blues and rock recordings) [1960s–present]
• Jimi Hendrix - Influenced by Buddy Guy's guitar style and stage presence (Various blues and rock recordings) [1960s–1970]
• Stevie Ray Vaughan - Cited Buddy Guy as a major influence on his guitar playing (Texas blues recordings) [1980s–1990]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Rollin' and Tumblin' (Guitar Blues 101)
2. Every Day I Have The Blues
3. Messing With The Kid (Prime Chops)
4. Don't Leave Me
5. Rollin' and Tumblin' (Harmonica Blues)
6. Catfish Blues (101 Delta Blues)
7. I'm In the Mood
8. Catfish Blues
9. Buddy's Blues
10. Baby What You Want Me to Do/That's Allright

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia