Biography
Clyde Vernon "Sonny" Landreth, born February 1, 1951, in Canton, Mississippi, is an acclaimed American blues guitarist, songwriter, and bandleader renowned for his pioneering slide guitar technique. Raised in Lafayette, Louisiana, Landreth was immersed in the region's rich musical traditions, including blues, jazz, zydeco, and rock and roll. He began his musical journey as a trumpet player before switching to guitar in high school, forming his first band, Magic, and quickly becoming captivated by songwriting and performance.[1][2][3]
Landreth's career took a significant turn when he joined zydeco legend Clifton Chenier's Red Hot Louisiana Band as the first white member, deeply absorbing the rhythms and spirit of Louisiana's Creole music. Over the decades, Landreth developed a unique slide guitar style, fretting behind the slide and employing intricate right-hand techniques, which earned him the moniker "King of Slydeco." His solo albums, such as "South of I-10" and "Blacktop Run," blend blues, Cajun, zydeco, and rock, often featuring collaborations with artists like Eric Johnson, Mark Knopfler, and Allen Toussaint. Landreth's innovative approach and evocative songwriting have made him a revered figure among musicians and fans alike, with Eric Clapton calling him "one of the most advanced guitarists in the world."[1][4][6]
Landreth's influence extends beyond his recordings and performances, as he has contributed to hundreds of sessions for artists across genres and inspired a new generation of guitarists with his technical mastery and deep sense of place. His legacy is marked by his role in bridging musical traditions and expanding the expressive possibilities of the guitar, particularly within the context of Louisiana's vibrant musical landscape.[2][6]
Fun Facts
- Sonny Landreth is known for playing slide guitar with the slide on his little finger, allowing him to fret notes and chords behind the slide—a rare and technically demanding approach.[1]
- He was the first white member of Clifton Chenier's Red Hot Louisiana Band, a groundbreaking move in the world of zydeco music.[4]
- Landreth's nickname, 'King of Slydeco,' reflects his fusion of slide guitar with Louisiana zydeco rhythms.[1][6]
- Eric Clapton has praised Landreth as 'probably the most underestimated musician on the planet, and also probably one of the most advanced.'[6]
Associated Acts
- John Hiatt & The Goners
- Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Clifton Chenier - Early mentor; Landreth joined Chenier's Red Hot Louisiana Band as a teenager, becoming the first white member and learning zydeco from the genre's originator. (Red Hot Louisiana Band performances and recordings) [Late 1960s–1970s]
Key Collaborators
- John Hiatt - Frequent collaborator and session guitarist; Landreth played on several of Hiatt's albums and tours. (Albums such as 'Slow Turning' and live performances) [1980s–present]
- John Mayall - Session guitarist and collaborator on blues projects. (Various recordings and live performances) [1980s–present]
- Eric Johnson - Guest artist on Landreth's solo albums and live collaborations. (Guest appearances on Landreth's albums) [1990s–present]
- Mark Knopfler - Collaborator on Landreth's album 'South of I-10.' ('South of I-10' (1995)) [1995]
- Allen Toussaint - Collaborator on 'South of I-10' and other projects. ('South of I-10' (1995)) [1995]
Artists Influenced
- Derek Trucks - Cites Landreth as a major influence on his slide guitar approach. (Derek Trucks Band, Allman Brothers Band) [2000s–present]
- Warren Haynes - Inspired by Landreth's slide techniques and tonal innovations. (Gov't Mule, Allman Brothers Band) [1990s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Blacktop Run | 2020-02-21 | Album |
| From the Reach | 2008 | Album |
| Bound By The Blues | 2015-06-08 | Album |
| Jake & Friends | 2021-11-10 | Album |
| South Of I-10 | 1995-02-06 | Album |
| Up Close | 2010-01-01 | Album |
| The Road We're On | 2010-06-01 | Album |
| Recorded Live in Lafayette | 2017-06-30 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Somebody Gotta Make A Move (Blacktop Run)
- Blue Tarp Blues (From the Reach)
- The Milky Way Home (From the Reach)
- Congo Square (South Of I-10)
- The High Side (Bound By The Blues)
- The Thrill Is Gone (All Blues)
- Walkin' Blues (Bound By The Blues)
- Bound By The Blues (Bound By The Blues)
- Taylor's Rock
- Blacktop Run (Blacktop Run)
External Links
Tags: #blues, #electric-blues, #sonny-landreth
References
Heard on WWOZ
sonny landreth has been played 9 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 6, 2026 | 14:08 | Mulefrom Blacktop Run | Soul Serenadew/ Marc Stone | |
| Dec 31, 2025 | 13:43 | Levee Townfrom Levee Town | New Orleans Music Showw/ Missy Bowen | |
| Dec 26, 2025 | 13:46 | blues attack | New Orleans Music Showw/ Black Mold or Bill DeTurk | |
| Dec 12, 2025 | 13:50 | rider | New Orleans Music Showw/ Black Mold or Bill DeTurk | |
| Dec 3, 2025 | 13:36 | levee town | New Orleans Music Showw/ Missy Bowen | |
| Nov 27, 2025 | 13:38 | Gone Pecanfrom Live At Grant Street | New Orleans Music Showw/ Michael Dominici | |
| Nov 19, 2025 | 12:26 | broken hearted road | New Orleans Music Showw/ Missy Bowen | |
| Nov 8, 2025 | 18:00 | The U.S.S. Zydecoldsmobilefrom Levee Town | Block Partyw/ Brice Nice | |
| Nov 5, 2025 | 12:20 | levee town | New Orleans Music Showw/ Missy Bowen |