paul butterfield blues band

Biography

The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, formed in Chicago in the early 1960s by harmonica virtuoso Paul Butterfield, was a pioneering force in the fusion of electric Chicago blues and rock. Raised in Chicago, Butterfield was exposed to the city’s vibrant blues scene from a young age, initially studying classical flute before teaching himself harmonica. He became a fixture in South Side clubs, sitting in with legends like Muddy Waters and Otis Rush, and was one of the first white musicians to be accepted into the Black blues community during a racially divided era[1][2][3].

The band’s original lineup included keyboardist Mark Naftalin, guitarist Elvin Bishop, guitarist Mike Bloomfield, bassist Jerome Arnold, and drummer Sam Lay. Their 1965 debut album on Elektra Records brought blues to a broader, racially mixed audience, and their electrifying performances at venues like the Newport Folk Festival (where they famously backed Bob Dylan’s first electric set) and Woodstock cemented their reputation. The band’s innovative blend of blues, rock, jazz, and even Indian raga—most notably on their influential album 'East-West'—helped define the American blues-rock movement and inspired countless musicians[1][2][3][4].

Despite lineup changes and Butterfield’s personal struggles, the band’s impact endured. They were among the first racially integrated blues groups, and their work played a crucial role in popularizing blues among white audiences. Paul Butterfield and his band were inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame (2006) and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2015), recognized for their groundbreaking musicianship and cultural significance[2][3].

Fun Facts

• The Paul Butterfield Blues Band was one of the first racially integrated blues bands in the United States, breaking barriers in the 1960s[1][2].
• They famously backed Bob Dylan during his controversial first electric set at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965, helping to usher in a new era of folk-rock[2].
• Their album 'East-West' is considered a pioneering work in jazz fusion and psychedelic rock, featuring extended improvisational jams[4].
• Saxophonist David Sanborn’s first professional gig was with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, launching his successful career[4].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Muddy Waters - Blues legend and mentor; Butterfield regularly sat in with him in Chicago clubs, gaining acceptance in the Black blues community. (Live performances, later collaborations) [Late 1950s–1960s]
• Howlin’ Wolf - Major stylistic influence; Butterfield was inspired by his vocal and harmonica style. (Influence on Butterfield’s harmonica technique) [1950s]
• Little Walter Jacobs - Harmonica innovator whose playing deeply influenced Butterfield’s approach. (Influence on harmonica style) [1950s]

Key Collaborators

• Mike Bloomfield - Lead guitarist and key member of the original band; collaborated on early albums and live performances. (The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, East-West) [1964–1967]
• Elvin Bishop - Guitarist and founding member; contributed to the band's signature sound. (The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, East-West) [1964–1968]
• Mark Naftalin - Keyboardist and original band member; played on early albums. (The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, East-West) [1964–1968]
• Bob Dylan - The band backed Dylan’s first electric performance at the Newport Folk Festival. (Newport Folk Festival 1965) [1965]
• David Sanborn - Joined as alto saxophonist in later years; it was his first professional gig. (Resurrection of Pigboy Crabshaw) [1967]

Artists Influenced

• The Blues Brothers - Inspired by the band’s sound and racially integrated lineup. (The Blues Brothers (film and band)) [1970s–1980s]
• Eric Clapton - Cited Butterfield’s band as a major influence on his blues-rock direction. (Cream, solo blues projects) [Late 1960s–1970s]
• David Sanborn - Butterfield gave him his first major break, launching his career. (Resurrection of Pigboy Crabshaw, later solo work) [1967–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. One Night Stand
2. Born in Chicago (The Paul Butterfield Blues Band)
3. I Got My Mojo Working (The Paul Butterfield Blues Band)
4. Walkin' Blues (East West)
5. Born In Chicago (Blues Brothers 2000)
6. I Got a Mind to Give up Living (East West)
7. Shake Your Money-Maker (The Paul Butterfield Blues Band)
8. Blues with a Feeling (The Paul Butterfield Blues Band)
9. Mystery Train (The Paul Butterfield Blues Band)
10. One More Headache (The Resurrection Of Pigboy Crabshaw)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia