Buddy Guy - by Sandra B Tooze (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Buddy Guy is the final living bridge between the Chicago blues and the global explosion of rock music that followed. When Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, and Little Walter ruled Chess Records, Buddy was there--absorbing and pushing the music forward. And he would become the blues oracle to some of the greatest guitarists in history, directly influencing Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, Carlos Santana, Keith Richards, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and countless others.

Drawing on years of research, interviews, and deep access to Buddy's inner circle--including Clapton, George Benson, Elvin Bishop, Greg and Vicky Guy, and more--acclaimed music biographer Sandra B. Tooze delivers the most complete portrait ever written of this towering figure. Readers step into London in 1965, where Buddy's performances changed the trajectory of British rock overnight; into Chicago clubs where his fearless playing redefined the electric blues; and onto global stages where, even in his late eighties, Buddy continues to perform with full-throttle intensity.

Tooze also captures Buddy's struggles with racism and industry indifference, alongside his humor and relentless commitment to mentoring younger musicians. At the heart of the book is Buddy's lifelong promise to Muddy Waters: that the blues would not die on his watch. Through his club, Buddy Guy's Legends; his collaborations and his tireless advocacy, Buddy Guy has spent decades honoring that vow.

Buddy Guy: The Life of "The Legend" and the Story of the Blues is an intimate biography and a sweeping history of American music, showing how the blues shaped rock, and how one man became its greatest living guardian.

Review Quotes

"Levon Helm put his heart and soul into every beat he played, every song he sang. He brought joy to people all over the world by sharing the unique blend of musical styles he grew up with in the Arkansas Delta. Along the way, he became a good actor, too! I'm glad his story is getting the telling it deserves."
--President Bill Clinton

"An impressive heap of research [and] a sure grasp of Helm's musical accomplishments. . . . One of the great virtues of Tooze's book [is that] she reminds us of the richness of Helm's post-Band existence."
--Boston Globe

"In this captivating biography, Sandra B. Tooze channels the creativity, drive, and endurance of this iconic artist. Filled with fresh insights and anecdotes, Levon is a fascinating exploration of the man, his music, and his life."
--Vince Gill, Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and musician

"Rendered with a sensitivity and detail rare in rock biographies."
--Modern Drummer

"A brilliant road map covering how [Levon Helm] became one of the towering figures in 20th century music. Ride shotgun as she follows Helm's wild exploits--from early Sixties cult hero with the Hawks to playing stadiums with Bob Dylan and the Band. This is the story of rock and roll."
--Brad Tolinski, author of Play It Loud: An Epic History of the Style, Sound and Revolution of the Electric Guitar

"Levon brilliantly puts readers behind the scenes of many of the most important moments in rock 'n' roll history with a man whose influence on them was immense."
--John Glatt, author of Live at the Fillmore East and West: Getting Backstage and Personal with Rock's Greatest Legends