Battle of the Bands: Black History, Blues and Rock

Today is February and it is Black History month. I will celebrate by incorporating it into my theme. Imagine today's music without the  black contribution, imagine the music of the last century without the black contribution. The truth is we pay tribute to black musicians without even realizing it every month when we do these Battle of the Bands. Black culture and black musicians have created some outstanding music, creative musical genres, and have influence musicians of many races.

I will start with the Blues. I got into the Blues by travelling the musical influence of my Rock and Roll music. I was a huge Led Zeppelin fan (still am), Jimi Hendrix, the Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton. The roots of this music was easy to find and follow.

I'm going to pick a song written by Willie Dixon and performed by Howlin' Wolf. I love Dixon's songs and could (and have) listened to Howlin' Wolf sing the blues for hours. Wolf died in 1976 so I didn't get to see him perform, but I did get a chance to see and meet his guitarist Hubert Sumlin which was a thrill.  The song is "Backdoor Man" was written in 1960 and recorded in 1961. This version by Howlin' Wolf.

My contenders are going to be from he Rock world to show an example of Blues and black musicians helped shape and influence it.

Contender One: The Doors

Contender Two: Quicksilver Messenger Service

In the end it turns into a fun rocking battle. Who gets your vote? Vote in the comments and we will have a winner soon! Please check out the other contestants links should be up here.

Happy Birthday Willie Dixon!

Today is the 98th birthday of one of the greatest blues men, the late Willie Dixon. Not only was he an important blues man his songs were important links between the blues and rock as other artists recorded his songs. Artists such as Led Zeppelin, Cream, Eric Clapton, The Grateful Dead, Canned Heat, The Doors, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, Gary Moore, Steve Miller, Jimi Hendrix and many more.Let's celebrate his birthday with music!

Willie Dixon built for comfort...

The Doors "Backdoor Man"...

The Rolling Stones "Little Red Rooster"..

Led Zeppelin "I Can't Quit You, Baby"

Willie Dixon "My Babe"

Cream "Spoonful"

Willie Dixon "I'm Nervous"

Happy Birthday Willie Dixon! I hope you enjoy with an artist like Willie Dixon we could go on and on..

Willie Dixon's Birthday

If you follow my blog, you may have noticed I am a fan of blues music. Today is Willie Dixon's birthday. In my opinion he was one of the best songwriters in the blues. He influenced so many musicians from The Doors, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones to many more.

He was also a great bass player as well and performed with Howlin' Wolf.

A musician who influenced so many. May you R.I.P. and may your music be appreciated.