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Buddy Guy Pushing For Blues On Popular Radio
Buddy Guy knows that blues music isn’t the taste of today’s youth, but the Chicago guitar legend wants to show directors at radio stations and aspiring musicians that the classic sound is still alive with his new album, “Rhythm & Blues.”
Photo: Charles Sykes / Invision / AP
Crossroads Guitar Festival, Madison Square Garden Arena, New York City
“I’m not saying play the blues every day like everything else,” said Guy, who released the album Tuesday, the same day he turned 77. “Just play the blues two or three times a week and I’ll be happy with that.
Guy is looking to make a hit by infusing his down-home country blues sound with top acts from the rock and country music realm. The double album includes guest appearances from Kid Rock, Keith Urban, Steven Tyler,
Guy, who toured with The Rolling Stones during the 1960s, said there are a few fresh acts keeping the blues sound alive with Clark Jr. and 14-year-old guitarist Quinn Sullivan. He said they may be the key to “wake up” the genre.
“In the late ‘50s and ‘60s, people in America were ignoring guys like B.B. King and T-Bone Walker,” Guy said. “But when the British guys started playing the blues, people thought it was something new, but that gave the blues a lift. I’m hoping that same thing will happen with the new youngsters.”