Blues maestro Buddy Guy, a towering figure in the world of music, is set to commemorate his impending 90th birthday with an extraordinary tribute event. This special concert, aptly named "Buddy's Got the Blues," will take place at New York's iconic Radio City Music Hall on October 1st. The celebration promises to be a memorable gathering, uniting an impressive roster of musical talent to honor Guy's profound and lasting impact on the blues genre and beyond.
Throughout his remarkable career, Buddy Guy has been synonymous with the blues, an emotional depth evident in the titles of his albums such as "Left My Blues in San Francisco," "A Man and the Blues," "DJ Play My Blues," "Damn Right, I've Got the Blues," and "The Blues Is Alive and Well." Even in recent times, with his album "Ain't Done With the Blues," it's clear that this genre remains an intrinsic part of his artistic journey. His contributions have not only shaped the sound of modern blues but have also inspired countless musicians across generations.
The upcoming concert will feature an all-star lineup, showcasing some of the biggest names in blues and rock. Confirmed performers include guitar legends Eric Clapton and John Mayer, alongside the talented Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks. Other notable artists slated to appear are Jon Batiste, Aloe Blacc, Joe Bonamassa, Gary Clark Jr., Shemekia Copeland, Robert Cray, Samantha Fish, Eric Gales, Billy F. Gibbons, Ivan Neville, Robert Randolph, Bobby Rush, Isaiah Sharkey, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Jimmie Vaughan, Ally Venable, Willie Weeks, and Kim Wilson. This diverse assembly of artists underscores the widespread influence and admiration Buddy Guy commands within the music community. The event's musical direction will be overseen by Steve Jordan of the Rolling Stones, with further guest announcements anticipated.
Buddy Guy himself expressed his excitement, stating, "I can't wait to celebrate 90 years of living, loving, and playing the blues with all my friends. We'll make it a night not just for me, but for the folks who taught us, the friends we've played with, and the ones coming up behind us." This sentiment highlights his enduring commitment to the blues and his appreciation for the lineage of musicians who have contributed to its rich history. Tickets for this anticipated event will be available for purchase starting Friday at 10 a.m. ET.
Buddy Guy's monumental talent has been consistently recognized, with Rolling Stone magazine placing him at Number 27 on their list of the 250 Greatest Guitarists of All Time. The publication lauded his distinctive, flamboyant style, characterized by "huge bends, prominent distortion, [and] frenetic licks," particularly in classics like "Stone Crazy" and "First Time I Met the Blues," as well as his collaborations with the late harmonica master Junior Wells. His innovative approach to the guitar significantly elevated the benchmark for expressive six-string performance.
As Guy remarked last year, he proudly stands as "the last old man still walking and playing the blues," echoing a promise he made to blues pioneers like Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf to keep the genre vibrant. His ongoing dedication to this promise, alongside his unparalleled musical prowess, makes this upcoming birthday celebration a well-deserved tribute to a living legend.