some Elmore

[Joe Shlabotnik]

Elmore James died on this day, May 24, 1963.

Elmore is a god among blues guitarists and enthusiasts, though not so much a household name as BB King or Muddy Waters to many casual listeners. By chance, the very first blues album I ever bought was a well worn copy of “The Sky Is Crying”. I think that that was the first day I stopped giving a shit about what was popular amongst my high school peers.

James’s influence is massively evident when listening to SRV, Duane Allman, George Thorogood, or old ZZ top. His overdriven electrified acoustic guitar and aching vocals are haunting some 49 years after his death. Enjoy.

[bluesbassman]

1. Nice set Joe.

Elmore's influence on modern Blues and Rock is unparalleled. You can pretty much listen to any of the great blues/rock bands; Humble Pie, Foghat, Stones, and on and on, and you'll catch an Elmore James riff sooner or later. Truly great musician.

RIP Elmore, and thanks for the music.

[OriginalGeek]

2. great stuff

thanks!

[johnnie]

3. Here ya go

[Granny M]

4. Wow.

I have some old record shopping to do. Thanks for turning me on to a great musician.

[lovemydog]

5. thanks Joe

I love his music.

First heard of him on the song For You Blue from the Beatles' Let It Be, where someone (I think it's Paul) mentions Elmore James when someone (I think it's John) is playing slide. Later noticed him from an Eric Clapton cover of The Sky Is Crying.

I have a best of compilation and it's often on my itunes.