I noticed a comment recently that mentioned the great Bugs Henderson. Once I saw that comment, I realized I hadn’t featured him in the blog yet, and that’s just plain wrong. So here’s my small ode to the blues/rock/jazz guitarist, Bugs Henderson. He would tell you himself that he isn’t a blues “traditionalist,” but that’s something that I can definitely relate to. I collected a few videos that celebrate the life and music of Bugs Henderson, including a video conversation with him about the blues. Unfortunately, he passed earlier this year due to liver cancer, but his music still lives on in all of our hearts. I hope you enjoy the performances and interview with Bugs Henderson.
Let’s start out with Bugs in his element. Here’s footage from a show in 2008 in Austin, Tx with his trio. Check it out at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kd7XjxV8SYA.
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Next, Bugs sat down for an interview with Dangerous Guitar to talk about the blues. He lets it all out in this short talk and focuses on how to be a guitarist of quality in any style of music. Check it out at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwCmhKrT7Dc.
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Lastly, Stedan Kodde put together a series of 15 performances in a YouTube video that celebrates the music of Bugs Henderson. It’s a great video that features some of Bugs earlier work. Check it out at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjEeXhIHiqY.
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I hope you enjoyed this very small look at the life and music of Bugs Henderson. He was a great guitarist that stayed true to his own inspirations on guitar and found a place for himself in the music industry. Stay tuned for more coming your way at Blues Guitar Unleashed.
Thanks,
Griff
4 replies to "Blues And Rock Guitarist Bugs Henderson"
All I can say about Mr. Henderson is Wow! Thanks Griff.
I find interviews with great players really helpful. Sometimes they help me more than watching a lesson. A lesson might just give you one thing. An interview gives you an insight into what a player has learnt in his life of playing. It can save you a lot of time and give you inspiration.
Philosophy from Australia.
I 1st discovered Bugs when Guitar Player mag mentioned his name as one of the 50 best guitarist you’ve never heard some 8 or 9 years ago. Since that article I acquired most of his recordings via eBay and such and just listen to his music to fuse my creative energy as a player. Sad to here he’s gone as I never had the opportunity to see him in person.
Growing up in Dallas and being only a little younger than Bugs I’ve listened to him play everywhere, from Lee Park to Poor David’s Pub on lower Greenville. I’ve lived for the last 20 years in England but still managed to see him a couple of times in the last 10 years. Great player. Great fun live. And will be sorely missed.