It seems to me that the St. Louis Blues wasn’t really known for its’ guitar players as much as it was a style built for pianists. But nonetheless, this home of jump blues and ragtime did attract some of the better known blues guitarists to its doors. Some of the guitarists I’m referring to are players like Charley Jordan, Robert Nighthawk and Albert King, among many others. I happen to know Chuck Berry called this place home, but I decided to focus this post more on the blues men from this iconic music scene this time around. I collected recordings and footage from the three guitarists listed above for your enjoyment today. All three players have put their own stamp on the blues music scene in St. Louis and all around the world, paving the way for new guitarists in new generations. I hope you enjoy all three guitarists as much as I did!
Charley Jordan helped make the St. Louis Blues what it is today and introduced a bit of rural Arkansas upbringing into the style. Enjoy this early rendition of “Hunkie Tunkie Blues” from Charley Jordan.
Part of Robert Nighthawk’s ramblin’ career has its roots in St. Louis. Check out this recording of “Anna Lee”.
Lastly, one of the more famous blues guitarists to have spent some of his time in the St. Louis blues scene was none other than Albert King. He’s even rumored to have decided on his iconic Flying V while in the St. Louis scene. Enjoy this live performance of “As The Years Go By” from Sweden in 1980.
I hope you dug all three performances from these iconic blues guitarists who happen to have made their marks on the St. Louis blues music scene. There’s more coming your way at Blues Guitar Unleashed so stay tuned.
Thanks,
Griff
5 replies to "The Blues Of St. Louis"
Always a pleasure and inspiration to hear Albert King. That’s blues with a feeling.
Yeah, these men took off from Rev Gary Davis, Mississippi John Hurt and the rest of the early Juke houses across the land. They are for me the bridge that has given us Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray and so many other great Blues guitarests, And let me not fall to mention the new storm on the horizon, Joe Bonamassa. Thanks Griff
great blues Griff , Grab the guitar lean back and get lost in the music thanks.
As a native I can tell you that the blues are alive and well in STL. Check out this young man, Marguise Knox. Remember the name!
http://youtu.be/aXpd-6nJ_yw
Thanks for that link. As Griff says, a lot of music in box 1 and 2 with an occasional move into 3.