Buddy Guy

George Guy was born in Lettsworth, Louisiana on July 30, 1936, and began to play the guitar professionally in 1950.

He played in local clubs until he moved to Chicago in 1957. It was here that his career took off. In 1958, he entered a Battle of the Blues contest at a local club and beat out Magic Sam and Otis Rush in the competition. Because of this, Sam recommended him to the owner of Artistic Records. Guy recorded the single, Sit and Cry, and This is the End, before the company went bankrupt.

In 1960, Guy signed with Chess Records and became an invaluable session artist. He backed many well-known artists such as Muddy Waters, Sonny Boy Williamson, and Willie Dixon.

In 1962, he released his own album, Stone Crazy, which went to number 12 on the R&B charts.

In 1967, Guy left Chess records, and went on to the Vanguard label. There he recorded This is Buddy Guy, Hold That Plane, and A Man of the Blues. During this time, he met a harp player named Junior Wells. (that's him with Buddy in the picture) The duo became very popular with white blues fans in the late 60's and early 70's.

Buddy Guy continued to play in clubs throughout the U.S. and at Blues festivals all around Europe. In 1989, he opened the famous Blues club, Legends. The club has become a popular stop-off for many traveling blues and blues influenced artists.

In 1991, he was invited by Eric Clapton to play with him at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England. His stunning performance led to a recording contract with Silvertone Records. He released a comeback album, Damn Right I've Got the Blues, featuring cameo performances by artists such as Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Mark Knopfler. In 1993, he released a follow-up album entitled Feels Like Rain.

Buddy guy continues to play and record, as well as run his famous club, Legends. He is a great talent, and an incredible influence on the Blues as we know them.