Biography
Frank 'Son' Seals (August 14, 1942 – December 20, 2004) was an influential American electric blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter, recognized for his fiery guitar work and raw, passionate vocals. Born in Osceola, Arkansas, Seals was raised in the vibrant musical environment of his father Jim 'Son' Seals's juke joint, the Dipsy Doodle, where he was exposed to legendary blues musicians from a young age. By age 13, he was already performing as a drummer with visiting artists, and by 18, he was leading his own band and had switched to guitar, developing a distinctive, high-energy style shaped by the blues greats who frequented his father's club.[1][2][4]
Seals's early career included stints as a drummer for Albert King (notably appearing on King's 'Live Wire/Blues Power' album) and as a guitarist with Earl Hooker. In 1971, following his father's death, Seals moved to Chicago, where he quickly became a fixture on the city's blues scene, playing alongside Junior Wells, Buddy Guy, and Hound Dog Taylor. Discovered by Alligator Records founder Bruce Iglauer, Seals released his debut album, 'The Son Seals Blues Band,' in 1973, followed by the critically acclaimed 'Midnight Son' in 1977. His intense, original songwriting and electrifying live performances earned him a reputation as one of the leading voices in Chicago blues, and he toured internationally, helping to keep the tradition alive through the 1970s, 80s, and beyond.[2][3][4]
Son Seals's legacy is marked by his role in revitalizing the gritty, Southern-rooted Chicago blues sound at a time when many contemporaries were moving toward funk, soul, or rock. Over his career, he recorded eight albums for Alligator Records, won three W.C. Handy Blues Awards, and was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2009. His music has influenced a new generation of blues and rock musicians, and his songs continue to be celebrated by artists and fans alike.[1][2][3][7]
Fun Facts
- Son Seals's childhood home was literally attached to his father's juke joint, giving him constant exposure to live blues music from infancy.
- He was an accomplished drummer before becoming known as a guitarist, and played drums for Albert King on a classic Stax album.
- Seals survived being shot in the jaw during a domestic dispute in 1997, returning to perform after recovering.
- He performed at the White House for President Bill Clinton in the 1990s.
Associated Acts
- The Son Seals Blues Band
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Albert King - Major stylistic influence and mentor; Seals played drums for King and absorbed his guitar techniques. (Performed on King's 'Live Wire/Blues Power' (1968)) [1960s]
- Earl Hooker - Early collaborator and inspiration; Seals played guitar in Hooker's band. (Live performances, early 1960s) [1960s]
- Jim 'Son' Seals - Father and early teacher; exposed Seals to blues legends and taught him multiple instruments. (Performances at the Dipsy Doodle Club) [1940s–1960s]
Key Collaborators
- Junior Wells - Played together in Chicago blues clubs after Seals moved to Chicago. (Live performances) [1970s]
- Buddy Guy - Shared the stage in Chicago's blues scene. (Live performances) [1970s]
- Hound Dog Taylor - Played together in Chicago; Seals took over Taylor's club gigs after Taylor began touring. (Live performances at The Expressway Lounge) [1970s]
- Phish - Phish covered Seals's song 'Funky Bitch' and performed with him live. (Live performances, including Camp Oswego festival) [1990s]
Artists Influenced
- Phish - Covered Seals's song 'Funky Bitch,' introducing his music to a new generation of rock and jam band fans. ('Funky Bitch' (live performances)) [1990s–2000s]
- Contemporary Chicago blues artists - Inspired younger blues musicians with his high-energy style and original songwriting. (Various live performances and recordings) [1970s–2000s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| The Son Seals Blues Band | 1973-06-01 | Album |
| Nothing But The Truth | 1994-07-26 | Album |
| Live and Burning | 1978-05-01 | Album |
| Midnight Son | 1976-07-01 | Album |
| Live - Spontaneous Combustion | 1996-10-15 | Album |
| Bad Axe | 1984-09-01 | Album |
| The Blues Walked In This Morning (Wise Fools Pub, Chicago '78 LIVE & REMASTERED) | 2020-09-09 | Album |
| Lettin' Go | 2000-04-25 | Album |
| Living In The Danger Zone | 1991-05-30 | Album |
| Chicago Fire | 1980-03-01 | Album |
| Chicago Blues Jam, Vol. 10 (Live) | 2016-01-01 | Album |
| J. J. Milteau presente: Bon Temps Rouler | 2008-11-10 | Album |
| Deluxe Edition | 2002 | Album |
| Live-Spontaneous Combustion | 1996 | Album |
| Nothing But The Truth | 1994 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Sadie (Nothing But The Truth)
- I Believe To My Soul
- All Your Love (The Son Seals Blues Band)
- Now That I'm Down (The Son Seals Blues Band)
- Sitting At My Window (The Son Seals Blues Band)
- I Can't Hear Nothing But The Blues (Nothing But The Truth)
- Cotton Picking Blues (The Son Seals Blues Band)
- Look Now, Baby (The Son Seals Blues Band)
- Funky Bitch - Live (Live and Burning)
- Your Love Is Like A Cancer (The Son Seals Blues Band)
External Links
Tags: #blues, #chicago-blues, #electric-blues
References
Heard on WWOZ
son seals has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 12, 2025 | 14:11 | mother in law bluesfrom son seals blues band | Sittin' at the Crossroadw/ Big D |